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Still life paintings from the Netherlands, 1550–1720 facts for kids

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Still Life Paintings from the Netherlands 1550–1720 (Dutch: Het Nederlandse Stilleven 1550–1720) was a special art exhibition held in 1999. It took place at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States. This exhibition showed many beautiful still life paintings from the Netherlands, created between 1550 and 1720.

The exhibition also had a detailed book, called a catalog. This book talked about 80 different paintings. These paintings helped people understand the best types of Dutch still life art. The catalog was set up by the different kinds of still life paintings and also by when they were painted, starting with the oldest ones.

What is a Still Life Painting?

A still life painting is a type of art that shows objects that do not move. These objects are often things like fruit, flowers, food, dishes, or other everyday items. Artists arrange these items carefully to create a beautiful picture. Still life paintings were very popular in the Netherlands during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Different Kinds of Still Life Paintings

Dutch artists painted many different kinds of still life pictures. Each type had its own special focus:

Kitchen and Food Scenes

  • Kitchen Piece (keukenstuk): These paintings showed busy kitchen scenes, often with lots of food, pots, and people. They sometimes included religious stories hidden in the background.
  • Fruit Still-Life (fruitstuk): These focused on colorful arrangements of fruits. They often showed how rich and plentiful food was.
  • Breakfast Piece (ontbijtje): These paintings showed simple meals, like bread, cheese, and drinks, laid out on a table. They often had a quiet, everyday feeling.

Flowers and Nature

  • Floral Still-Life (blommetje): These were paintings of beautiful bouquets of flowers. They often showed many different kinds of flowers, even ones that bloomed at different times of the year.

Deeper Meanings in Art

  • Vanitas: These paintings reminded people about how short life is and how things don't last forever. They often included symbols like skulls, hourglasses, or fading flowers. These items encouraged viewers to think about important things in life.
  • Hunting Piece (jaagstuk): These showed dead animals from a hunt, like birds or deer. They often included hunting tools and showed the success of the hunt.
  • Show Piece (pronkstilleven): These were grand and fancy still life paintings. They showed off expensive and luxurious items, like fancy dishes, exotic foods, and valuable objects. These paintings were meant to impress viewers with their detail and richness.

Notable Artists and Their Works

Many famous Dutch artists created amazing still life paintings. Here are a few examples from the exhibition:

  • A Meat Stall with the Holy Family Giving Alms by Pieter Aertsen (1551). This is an early example of a kitchen piece.

Pieter Aertsen painted A Meat Stall with the Holy Family Giving Alms in 1551. This painting is a great example of a "kitchen piece." It shows a busy meat stall, but if you look closely, you can see a religious scene in the background.

  • Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels
    Still life with cheese, bread and drinking vessels by Clara Peeters (1615). Peeters was one of the few female artists known for still life.

Clara Peeters painted Still life with cheese, bread and drinking vessels in 1615. She was one of the few female artists who became well-known for her still life paintings. Her work often showed everyday food items with great detail.

  • Pieter Claesz, Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill
    Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill by Pieter Claesz (1628). This painting is a classic example of a "vanitas" still life.

Pieter Claesz created Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill in 1628. This is a famous "vanitas" painting. It includes a skull and a writing quill, which remind us about life, death, and the passage of time.

  • Jan Davidsz de Heem - Abundant Still Life with a Parrot - c. 1655
    Abundant Still Life with a Parrot by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (c. 1655). This shows a rich display of food and exotic items.

Jan Davidsz. de Heem painted Abundant Still Life with a Parrot around 1655. He was known for his "show pieces" that featured many different objects, often including exotic fruits and animals like parrots.

  • Willem Kalf, Still Life with Drinking-Horn, c. 1653, oil on canvas, National Gallery
    Drinking horn with lobster and glassware by Willem Kalf (c. 1653). Kalf was a master of luxurious "show pieces."

Willem Kalf painted Drinking horn with lobster and glassware around 1653. Kalf was a master at painting "show pieces," showing off shiny metals, delicate glass, and rich textures.

  • Rachel Ruysch-Fruit and Flowers in a Forest 1714
    Flowers and fruit in a forest by Rachel Ruysch (1714). Ruysch was a very successful female artist known for her floral paintings.

Rachel Ruysch created Flowers and fruit in a forest in 1714. She was another very successful female artist, especially famous for her detailed and vibrant floral still life paintings.

Images for kids

  • Joachim Beuckelaer - Keukenscène met Christus en de Emmaüsgangers

    Kitchen scene with Christ at Emmaus by Joachim Beuckelaer (1560s)

  • Jan Brueghel (I) - Bouquet of flowers in a blue vase

    Chinese porcelain vase of flowers on a tabletop by Jan Brueghel the Elder (1609)

  • Flowers in a Glass by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder

    Flowers in a Glass by Ambrosius Bosschaert (1606)

  • Roelant Savery - Flowers in a Glass in a Niche - Private collection

    Flowers in a Glass in a Niche by Roelant Savery (1611)

  • Christoffel van den Berghe, Dutch (active Middelburg), active c. 1617 - after 1628 - Still Life with Flowers in a Vase - Google Art Project

    Still Life with Flowers in a Vase by Christoffel van den Berghe (1617)

  • Osias Beert the Elder - Dishes with Oysters, Fruit, and Wine - Google Art Project

    Dishes with Oysters, Fruit, and Wine by Osias Beert (1615)

  • Floris van Dyck 002

    Still Life with Cheese by Floris van Dyck (1615)

  • Emblematic still life with flagon, glass, jug and bridle by Torrentius

    Emblematic Still Life with Flagon, Glass, Jug and Bridle by Johannes van der Beeck (1614)

  • Frans Francken the Younger - The cabinet of a collector with paintings, shells, coins, fossils and flowers - 1619

    The cabinet of a collector with paintings, shells, coins, fossils and flowers by Frans Francken the Younger (1619)

  • Frans Snyders - Still-Life with Dead Game, Fruits, and Vegetables in a Market - WGA21538

    Still Life with Dead Game, Fruits, and Vegetables in a Market by Frans Snyders (1614)

  • Frans Snyders - Game and fruit on a table - c. 1625

    Game and fruit on a table by Frans Snyders (1625)

  • Pieter Claesz - Open book, Skull, Violin and Oil Lamp

    Open book, Skull, Violin and Oil Lamp by Pieter Claesz (1629)

  • Pieter Claesz - Herring with bread and beer - 1122 (OK)

    Breakfast Piece by Pieter Claesz (1636)

  • Stilleven met boeken Rijksmuseum SK-A-4090

    Still Life with Books by Jan Lievens (1630)

  • Paulus Bor - Travel Pouch and Documents on a Table

    Travel Pouch and Documents on a Table by Paulus Bor (1630)

  • Jan Jansz den Uyl - Pewter Jug and Silver Tazza on a Table - 1633

    Pewter Jug and Silver Tazza on a Table by Jan Jansz den Uyl (1633)

  • Willem Claesz Heda - Laid Table with Ham and a Roll

    Laid Table with Ham and a Roll by Willem Claeszoon Heda (1635)

  • Willem Claesz Heda - Nautilus Cup, Tazza, and Plates of Oysters - 1649

    Nautilus Cup, Tazza, and Plates of Oysters by Willem Claeszoon Heda (1649)

  • Balthasar van der Ast - Still-Life of Flowers, Shells, and Insects - WGA1039

    Still Life with Flowers, Shells, and Insects by Balthasar van der Ast (1635s)

  • Hans Bollongier - Stilleven met bloemen - Google Art Project

    Floral Still Life by Hans Bollongier (1639)

  • Daniel Seghers - Flowers in a Vase

    Flowers in a Vase by Daniel Seghers (1630s)

  • Daniel Seghers - Flower garland with Saint Catherine - c. 1650

    Flower garland with Saint Catherine by Daniel Seghers (1650)

  • Jan Davidsz de Heem - Books and Pamplets - 1628

    Books and Pamphlets by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1628)

  • Stilleven met boeken Rijksmuseum SK-A-2565

    Still Life with Books by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1627)

  • Jan Davidsz de Heem - Nautilus Cup with Silver Vessels - 1632

    Nautilus Cup with Silver Vessels by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1632)

  • Jan Davidsz de Heem - Fruit and Ham on a Table with a View of a City - 1646

    Fruit and Ham on a Table with a View of a City by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1646)

  • Jan Davidsz de Heem - A Richly Laid Table with Parrots - c. 1655

    A Richly Laid Table with Parrots by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1655)

  • Jan Davidsz de Heem - A Vase of Flowers - c. 1660-1665

    A Vase of Flowers by Jan Davidsz. de Heem (1660s)

  • Gerard Dou - Still life with a globe, books, and a lute - c. 1635

    Globe, Books and Lute by Gerrit Dou (1635)

  • Gerard Dou - Hourglass and Inkpot on a Shelf - 1647

    Hourglass and Inkpot on a Shelf by Gerrit Dou (1647)

  • Gerard Dou - Money Bag and a Book on a Shelf - 1647

    Money Bag and a Book on a Shelf by Gerrit Dou (1647)

  • Harmen Steenwijck - Vanitas Still-Life - WGA21768

    Vanitas Still-Life by Harmen Steenwijck (1640)

  • Simon Luttichuys - Corner of a painter's studio - 1646

    Corner of a painter's studio by Simon Luttichuys (1646)

  • Bailly, David – Self-portrait With Vanitas Symbols – 1651

    Vanitas with self-portrait by David Bailly (1651)

  • Albert Eckhout - Cocos

    Coconuts by Albert Eckhout (1640s)

  • Albert Eckhout - Abacaxi, Mamão e Outras Frutas

    Pineapple, papaya and other fruit by Albert Eckhout (1640s)

  • Rembrandt - Tote Pfauen

    Still Life with Peacocks by Rembrandt (1636)

  • Jan Baptist Weenix - Still Life with a Dead Swan

    Still Life with a Dead Swan by Jan Baptist Weenix (1651)

  • Adriaen van Utrecht 001

    Banquet Still Life by Adriaen van Utrecht (1644)

  • Jan Fyt - Game Birds and Fruit with a Dog and Parrot - 1652

    Game Birds and Fruit with a Dog and Parrot by Jan Fyt (1652)

  • Jan Fyt - Vase of Flowers - 1660

    Vase of Flowers by Jan Fyt (1660)

  • Jan Jansz van de Velde - Glasses, Smoking Implements, and Cards - 1653

    Glasses, Smoking Implements, and Cards by Jan Jansz van de Velde (1653)

  • Pieter van Anraadt - Jug, Glass of Beer, and Pipes on a Table - 1658

    Still Life with Earthenware Jug and Clay Pipes by Pieter van Anraedt (1658)

  • Willem Kalf - Corner of a Barn - c. 1643

    Corner of a Barn by Willem Kalf (1643)

  • Willem Kalf - Stilleven met zilveren schenkkan - Google Art Project

    Still Life with Silver Ewer by Willem Kalf (1656)

  • Still Life with Chinese Bowl and Nautilus 1662 Willem Kalf

    Still Life with Chinese Bowl and Nautilus by Willem Kalf (1662)

  • 'Wineglass and a Bowl of Fruit', oil on canvas painting by Willem Kalf, 1663

    Wineglass and a Bowl of Fruit by Willem Kalf (1663)

  • Hoogstraten, towel

    Door with towel brush and letter bag by Samuel van Hoogstraten (1655)

  • Samuel van Hoogstraten - Letter Board - c. 1662

    Letter Board by Samuel van Hoogstraten (1662)

  • Samuel van Hoogstraten - Still-Life - WGA11726

    Still life with letter board by Samuel van Hoogstraten (1667)

  • SA 3024-Documenten betreffende de Thesaurie der Stad Amsterdam

    Documents on a wall by Cornelis Brisé (1656)

  • Cornelis Norbertus Gijsbrechts - An Open Cupboard Door - 1665

    An Open Cupboard Door by Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts (1665)

  • Joseph de Bray - Still-Life

    In Praise of Herring by Joseph de Bray (1656)

  • Abraham van Beijeren - Fish in a Basket near a Scale - c. 1655

    Fish in a Basket near a Scale by Abraham van Beijeren (1655)

  • 'Silver Wine Jug, Ham, and Fruit' by Abraham van Beyeren, c. 1660-1666

    Silver Wine Jug, Ham, and Fruit by Abraham van Beijeren (1660s)

  • Willem van Aelst - Vase of Flowers - 1658

    Vase of Flowers by Willem van Aelst (1658)

  • Still Life with Hunting Gear (Willem van Aelst) - Nationalmuseum - 17251

    Dead Birds and Hunting Gear by Willem van Aelst (1664)

  • Willem van Aelst - Seafood, Onion, and Glassware - 1679

    Seafood, Onion, and Glassware by Willem van Aelst (1679)

  • N. Le Peschier - Skull, Money Bags, and Documents - 1661

    Skull, Money Bags, and Documents by N.L. Peschier (1661)

  • Pieter Boel - Large Vanitas (Still-Life)

    Large Vanitas by Pieter Boel (1663)

  • Vanitas-Still Life, Oosterwijck

    Vanitas still life by Maria van Oosterwijck (1668)

  • Abraham Mignon - Game, Fish, and a Nest on a Forest Floor - c. 1675

    Game, Fish, and a Nest on a Forest Floor by Abraham Mignon (1675)

  • Jan van der Heyden - Still Life with Globe, Books, Sculpture, and Other Objects - c. 1670

    Still Life with Globe, Books, Sculpture, and Other Objects by Jan van der Heyden (1670)

  • Simon Verelst - Vase of Flowers - c. 1670

    Vase of Flowers by Simon Pietersz Verelst (1670)

  • Flowers in a Glass Vase LACMA M.2009.106.4

    Flowers in a Glass Vase by Dirck de Bray (1671)

  • Dirck de Bray - Still Life with Flowers - 1674

    Still Life with Flowers by Dirck de Bray (1674)

  • Hubert van Ravesteyn - Glass, flask, walnuts in a bowl, tobacco and pipe on a stone slab - Art Gallery of Ontario

    Still Life with Walnuts, Tobacco and Wine by Hubert van Ravesteyn (1671)

  • Pieter Gerritsz. van Roestraeten - Still-Life with Chinese Teabowls - WGA19651

    Still-Life with Chinese Teabowls by Pieter Gerritsz van Roestraten (1670s)

  • Stilleven bij een fontein Rijksmuseum SK-A-2213

    Still life near a fountain by Peeter Gijsels (1680s)

  • Adriaen Coorte - Shells - 1698

    Seashells by Adriaen Coorte (1698)

  • 'Gooseberries on a Table' by Adriaen Coorte, 1701, Cleveland Museum of Art

    Gooseberries on a Table by Adriaen Coorte (1701)

  • Jan Weenix - Dead Swan - 1716 - Boijmans 1962-(ok)

    The Dead Swan by Jan Weenix (1716)

  • Jan van Huysum - Vase of Flowers on a Garden Ledge - c. 1730

    Vase of Flowers on a Garden Ledge by Jan van Huysum (1730)

  • Still Life Paintings from the Netherlands 1550–1720, (Dutch:Het Nederlandse Stilleven 1550–1720), by Alan Chong, W. Th Kloek, Celeste Brusati, Exhibition catalog Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and Cleveland Museum of Art, Zwolle, Waanders, 1999
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