Opulence Distilled. Masterpieces from the oeuvre of Jan Davidsz. de Heem (Utrecht, 1606 – Antwerp, 1684)
Antwerp, Snijders&Rockoxhuis
27 April 2024 – 1 October 2024
The Klesch Collection was delighted that A Banquet Still Life by Jan Davidsz. de Heem was on view at the Snijders&Rockoxhuis in Antwerp as part of their exhibition ‘Opulence Distilled. Masterpieces from the oeuvre of Jan Davidsz. de Heem’, curated by Dr Fred G. Meijer.
De Heem, the most celebrated still life artist of his day, lived and worked in both the Dutch Republic and the Southern Netherlands. His movements between these two regions fostered a constant pursuit of innovation and painterly excellence. Flemish and Dutch artistic styles merge spectacularly in De Heem’s works, thus revolutionising the genre of still life painting as he fashioned new iconographic forms. His most outstanding creation is the pioneering genre pronkstillevens (sumptuous still lifes), with A Banquet Still Life serving as a prime example. Here, De Heem captures the Southern Netherlandish still-life tradition of lavish and grandiose displays, while simultaneously showcasing his polished Northern technique and unparalleled attention to detail. De Heem’s mesmerising illusions of opulence and beauty elevated the genre of still life painting to unseen heights, ensuring his unrivalled success throughout his 50-year career.
This first retrospective of the artist’s career brought together a powerful selection of his best works, offering viewers a unique insight into the mastery of this influential artist.
Jan Davidsz. de Heem, A Banquet Still Life, mid-1660s
Watch video
Click or tap below to listen to the exhibition curator, Dr Fred G. Meijer, as he talks about the exhibition, Jan Davidsz. de Heem’s impact on the genre of still life in the seventeenth century and The Klesch Collection’s painting as a cornerstone piece of his later career.
Opulence Distilled. Masterpieces from the oeuvre of Jan Davidsz. de Heem (Utrecht, 1606 – Antwerp, 1684)
Antwerp, Snijders&Rockoxhuis
27 April 2024 – 1 October 2024
The Klesch Collection was delighted that A Banquet Still Life by Jan Davidsz. de Heem was on view at the Snijders&Rockoxhuis in Antwerp as part of their exhibition ‘Opulence Distilled. Masterpieces from the oeuvre of Jan Davidsz. de Heem’, curated by Dr Fred G. Meijer.
De Heem, the most celebrated still life artist of his day, lived and worked in both the Dutch Republic and the Southern Netherlands. His movements between these two regions fostered a constant pursuit of innovation and painterly excellence. Flemish and Dutch artistic styles merge spectacularly in De Heem’s works, thus revolutionising the genre of still life painting as he fashioned new iconographic forms. His most outstanding creation is the pioneering genre pronkstillevens (sumptuous still lifes), with A Banquet Still Life serving as a prime example. Here, De Heem captures the Southern Netherlandish still-life tradition of lavish and grandiose displays, while simultaneously showcasing his polished Northern technique and unparalleled attention to detail. De Heem’s mesmerising illusions of opulence and beauty elevated the genre of still life painting to unseen heights, ensuring his unrivalled success throughout his 50-year career.
This first retrospective of the artist’s career brought together a powerful selection of his best works, offering viewers a unique insight into the mastery of this influential artist.
Jan Davidsz. de Heem, A Banquet Still Life, mid-1660s
Watch video
Click or tap below to listen to the exhibition curator, Dr Fred G. Meijer, as he talks about the exhibition, Jan Davidsz. de Heem’s impact on the genre of still life in the seventeenth century and The Klesch Collection’s painting as a cornerstone piece of his later career.