Still Life with Ham

Willem Claesz Heda

Created:
Movement:
1631
None
key Notes:
"Vanitas symbolism" and "rich textures."
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Dimensions:
22 1/8 x 31 1/4 in. (56.2 x 79.4 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
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story of the work:

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Still Life with Ham by Willem Claesz. Heda

Still Life with Ham, created in 1631 by Willem Claesz. Heda, is an exemplary work of the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing the artist's mastery in the genre of still life painting. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and the realistic depiction of textures, such as the glistening surface of the ham and the reflective qualities of the pewter and glassware. Heda's work is significant for its contribution to the development of the "ontbijt" or breakfast piece, a subgenre of still life that emphasizes the transient nature of food and drink. The artist's ability to capture the interplay of light and shadow demonstrates his skill in creating a sense of depth and realism. Willem Claesz. Heda, born in 1594 in Haarlem, was a prominent figure in the still life tradition, and his works are celebrated for their subtle compositions and restrained color palettes. His paintings offer insight into the material culture of the 17th-century Netherlands, reflecting both the prosperity and the domestic life of the period.

Description of the work:

Still Life with Ham by Willem Claesz Heda

Created in 1631, "Still Life with Ham" by Willem Claesz Heda is an exemplary work of the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing the artist's mastery in depicting texture and light through the medium of oil on canvas. The painting features a meticulously arranged composition of food items, highlighting the opulence and transience of material wealth, and is housed in the Mauritshuis, The Hague.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Still Life with Ham