Stilleven met vissen, zeevruchten en bloemen

About this artwork

…; from the dealer Jacques Goudstikker, Amsterdam, fl. 200, to the museum, 1903; on loan to the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp, 1999-2000; on loan to the Bonnefantenmuseum, Maastricht, 2004-05

Art Historical Context

Clara Peeters' *Stilleven met v, zeevruchten en* (Still Life with Fish, Shell, and Flowers), painted around 1612–1615, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with *bancketjes*—intimate still lifes celebrating abundance. This oil-on-panel work, measuring a modest 25 × 34.8 cm, captures glistening fish, ornate shellfish, and vibrant blooms with meticulous realism, inviting viewers to marvel at nature's bounty on a tabletop. Peeters, one of the few prominent female artists of her era, mastered the *pronksstilleven* style, blending Flemish precision with emerging Dutch naturalism. Her technique shines in reflective surfaces—like glassware or silver—that subtly reveal her self-portrait, a clever signature amid the opulence. These paintings often carried vanitas undertones, reminding beholders of life's fleeting pleasures amid prosperity. Housed in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum since 1903, this gem from dealer Jacques Goudstikker's collection has traveled on loan to Antwerp and Maastricht, underscoring its enduring appeal. Peeters' trailblazing career highlights women's vital role in 17th-century art, making this a must-see for still-life enthusiasts.