Still Life with Books — Jan Davidsz. de Heem

Jan Davidsz. de Heem. Painted 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).

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), panel · Original size: 41.5 × 26.5 cm · Gift of the heirs of C. Hoogendijk, The Hague

Print: 41.5 × 26.5 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200109355. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.