Willem Claesz. Heda

Relevance to my work:

Heda uses traditional symbolism and artistic skill to create a classic vanitas through the concept of luxurious life (lemon, silver pewter and lobster). This sort of painting would be in the households of many of the rich and famous Dutch of the time and became both a luxury item and a reminder of brevity of life. This is something I could look at doing with my work, attempting to create beautiful works that are desirable to a consumer whilst also using the symbolism within them to draw the viewers’ attention to the brevity of life.

 

 

Still Life: Pewter and Silver Vessels and a Crab (1633-7)

 

"The muted tones and limited range of objects on the table may give an impression of modesty and restraint. Quite the opposite is true. Both the food items - the crab, lemon, salt and pepper and pewter plates and vessels were luxury items, only available to wealthy Dutch men."

National Gallery