Artwork

Fruit and Wine Glass

Fruit and Wine Glass, by Willem van Aelst, oil, 1659
Fruit and Wine Glass, by Willem van Aelst, oil, 1659

Fruit and Wine Glass is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Willem van Aelst. It dates from 1659 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Overview

Fruit and Wine Glass is a 1659 oil painting by Willem van Aelst, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for still-life works. It is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a still life arrangement featuring a bunch of dark purple grapes, three light orange peaches, and a reflective wine glass on a red-clothed table, accompanied by a snail and a butterfly, evoking an atmosphere of quiet elegance.

Technique & Style

Van Aelst's use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing contrasts between light and dark, is evident in the painting, particularly in the wine glass's reflection and the interplay of light on the fruit and fabric.

Artist & collection

Artist

Willem van Aelst

Willem van Aelst (16 May 1627 – buried 22 May 1683) was a Dutch Golden Age artist who specialized in still-life painting with flowers or game.