Still Life

In the 1600s, the Dutch Republic enjoyed unprecedented prosperity, largely thanks to its overseas trading and colonial ventures. As luxurious and exotic commodities streamed into Amsterdam from around the world, a new market developed for still-life paintings that celebrated the material wealth of this emerging global empire.

Many of the goods shown here traveled substantial distances to be united in this scene. Lemons, for example, were transported across the Alps from the Mediterranean. Porcelain was imported from China, although the bowl pictured here is likely a Dutch imitation of Chinese porcelain.