In the absence of Light, Darkness prevails.

                   The Inimitable Universe of Still-Life (Willem Claesz Heda)

“Heda belongs to the most famous Dutch still life painters of the 17th century. Along with Pieter Claesz, he is considered one of the main representatives of the “monochrome bankeje”, which met with great popularity in the second half of the 17th century. His expressive works are characterized by carefully coordinated colors and high precision. Heda cultivates the still life with a unique painterly power, with a special focus on the Mahlzeitstillleben. His earliest work is considered to be the Vanitas still life, painted in 1621, which shows a combination of various associative elements from an elevated position.But Willem Claeszoon .

Heda is known for his monochrome breakfast still lifes, which he focuses on only later. The objects are planned down to the last detail, whereby the artist pays great attention to the exact lighting of the materiality. Thus, his compositions include various valuable objects such as Venetian glasses, pewter plates, richly decorated Romans and partly Far Eastern porcelain. 

The precious objects are sometimes complemented with lemons, olives, pies as well as cut cakes and are often carried by a white tablecloth. The backgrounds are usually dark and are characterized by a silvery overall tone. Rather rarely flowers or leaves are to be found in his paintings. Willem Claesz. Heda also had a preference for the landscape format. He enlivened his paintings by a precisely selected arrangement of objects. On closer inspection, one gets the impression that someone has just left the table.Besides painting, Heda is also a member of the shooting club and also works as a brewer. Nearly all his works were created between 1621 and 1665, after which his production suddenly decreased due to possible health reasons. At this time the artist was already over 70 years old. Willem Claesz died a respected citizen and wealthy man. Heda finally dies in 1680 in Haarlem.

Sample Works:

1. Breakfast Still Life, 1638

2. Still life with gilt cup, 1635

3. Breakfast Still Life, 1638

4. Desk with Ham

5. Still life with mincemeat pie and nautilus cup

6. Still Life, 1642

7. Banquet Piece with Mince Pie

8. Vanitas, 1628

9. Still Life with Fruit Pie, 1635