Willem Claesz School

School of WILLEM CLAESZ HEDA (Haarlem, 1594- 1680); 17th century.
"Still life",
Oil on oak panel. Cradled.
Measurements: 28 x 36,5 cm.
The trompe l'oeil generated by the folding of the white tablecloth describes the delicacy of this work, in which the whole set has an individuality defined by the quality with which each of the elements that make up the still life are painted. The author presents a scene of great verism, modeled by a gentle light and golden character, but does not renounce a certain theatricality.

Aesthetically the work is reminiscent of the painting of Willem Claesz, one of the first painters who devoted most of his artistic production to the realization of still lifes, although during his first period he also made portraits and paintings of religious themes. Heda cultivated the so-called monochrome breakfast, like Pieter Claesz - reason why both artists have been confused throughout the historiography of art -, although the elements chosen are more opulent in Heda's paintings. Likewise, he was part of the guild of San Lucas since 1631. His work can currently be found in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, as well as in the Liechstentein gallery in Vienna, or in the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. His brushstrokes are calm and calm, attentive to detail as he depicts all elements in an orderly, simple and structured manner. He also shows great skill in the representation of textures and in the finishing of objects, both crystalline and metallic.