Getting started with the collection:
Still Life with Books
Jan Davidsz. de Heem, c. 1628 - c. 1629
Grey and brown tints dominate this composition, and a shadow spreads slowly over the wall. The painting alludes to the fleetingness of life. The battered books allude to transience. The music produced by the lute is momentary, a symbol of the brevity of life. A literal reference to death is inscribed on the sheet of paper draped over the table’s edge: ‘finis’ ([the] end).
- Artwork typepainting
- Object numberSK-A-2565
- Dimensionsheight 26.5 cm x width 41.5 cm, depth 5.5 cm
- Physical characteristicsoil on panel