Pieter Claesz: Still Life

Paper Summary:

The paper begins with a discussion of still life painting and then focuses in on the work of Pieter Claesz. An analysis of different works of his as well as a comparison to work of his contemporaries is outlined. A discussion of style and popularity of still life painting is included.

From the Paper:

"To the modern non-European eye, the Dutch Paintings of the Baroque period appear to be a collection of "stuff" on a table. It is difficult to imagine what the artist could have possibly found so fascinating on the Breakfast table or in a bowl of fruit. However, taken in period context, Dutch still life was much more than that. Often the artists were expressing thoughts and feelings, using the painting as type of code describing an idea, which was not accepted by society at the time. At times they may have been expressing political dissent, perhaps an idea that would be dangerous to express at the time, such as criticizing an institution or a leader. These ideas were often felt, but one could not express them publicly for fear of persecution. These paintings were only meant to be understood by those who knew the code and could get the meaning that the artist was trying to portray. It was hopeful that those who were not meant to understand it would see it as beautiful, but miss the meaning entirely."

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