Dutch still life is not just painting everyday objects on canvas. Each element of this art has a special meaning, becoming an integral part of a unique composition, which not only provides aesthetic pleasure, but also conveys a hidden message to the viewer. This genre has become not just an image technique, but also a canon, requiring from the artist not only mastery of complex painting techniques, but also extensive knowledge embodied on canvas.
In our blog, we invite you to plunge into the world of mysteries and symbols that melt in the pictures of the Dutch masters. You will learn about the history of this unique movement and the intricacies of the technique of creating still lifes, where every detail is painted with amazing realism, recreating the atmosphere of life. Dive with us into the magical world of Dutch art, where each painting is not only a work of art, but also a window into the past, filled with secrets and stories.
Dutch and Flemish still life from the 17th century
In the 17th century in Holland and Flanders, still life entered a new era, becoming an independent genre in art and ceasing to be just an element of composition on artistic canvases. One of the key reasons for this transformation was Protestantism, which rejected images of saints, making them less relevant. Instead, still life paintings of flowers, fruit and game became widely popular. These works were not only highly detailed, but also carried deep religious and moral meanings.
In the early stages of this genre, there was an abundance of dishes and utensils, reminiscent of the past, when still life was only part of the ceremonial scenes in group portraits. Over time, flowers and modest treats became increasingly common in the paintings of Dutch artists. Moreover, various thematic directions in this genre began to take shape, each of which was distinguished by unique attributes and symbolism. Let's dive into the world of these secrets and take a closer look at them.
Symbolism of Dutch still life
Dutch still life has been attracting the attention of art lovers for centuries. Indeed, in addition to the accurate rendering of light and shade and the texture of objects, it is an intellectual game. It was quite easy for contemporaries to guess the encrypted message, but today not everyone can understand the true meaning of the depicted objects.
Dutch still lifes with flowers
Even in the Gothic and Renaissance eras, many flowers acquired their own symbolism, which continued to exist in the floral still lifes of Dutch masters. So, for example, at the bottom of the composition they usually depicted dry, fallen or fading petals and inflorescences, indicating the frailty of the material world. Wildflowers placed in the center symbolized the purity of the soul, and lush roses or carnations symbolized vanity and thirst for wealth. The most beautiful flower was usually placed at the top, as a sign of hope for the salvation of the soul.
It is curious that many flowers had several, often opposing meanings. For example, a tulip symbolized the believer’s conversion to Christ, and at the same time was a sign of wastefulness. A similar story developed with the daffodil, which, according to ancient Greek myth, personified narcissism and at the same time was a symbol of the Mother of God.
Dutch still life with a set table
In this direction, not only foods or dishes, but even dishes had their own interpretation. Thus, a knife carelessly left on the table became a symbol of betrayal, and a bottle - drunkenness. A glass vessel, like a vase, signified the fragility of human life, and silverware represented wealth.
Almost every product had a hidden meaning. Below we have presented a small selection of the most common symbols:
- oysters - lust and carnal pleasures;
- ham - gluttony;
- herring - faith in Christ;
- wheat ears - rebirth of the soul, hope for salvation;
- bread and wine are the flesh and blood of Christ.
"Scientist" still life or Vanitas
From Latin the name of this direction is translated as “vanity of vanities.” Its main message was to depict the perishability of everything earthly and the transience of life. Books, scrolls, clocks, musical instruments and smoking pipes were often depicted here. Also, one of the main symbols was the human skull, reminiscent of the mortality of all living things. However, ears of corn or ivy wrapped around the skull spoke of the rebirth of the soul and its salvation. And by the middle of the 17th century, such a symbol became an integral attribute of this movement.
Dutch still life: painting technique
In addition to hidden symbols, the technique of painting in Dutch still life also requires special attention. After all, the masters depicted objects with particular precision that seemed to come to life in front of the viewer.
They achieved such a fantastic effect thanks to a multi-layer paint application technique, which includes the following techniques:
- The use of paints with different covering properties made it possible to both reflect light and transmit it into the paint layer.
- Glazing - the use of transparent and translucent paints even at the underpainting stage made it possible to convey a sense of depth and glow to the final picture.
- Step by step paint application. Their painting was multi-layered and required patience. Each new layer of paint was applied only after the previous one had completely dried.
- Applying colors from light to dark. Artists began working in the lightest colors and gradually darkened and intensified the colors on the canvas.
- Proper use of this technique required a lot of practice and time. Perhaps this is why the Dutch valued paintings quite highly and tried not to deny the pleasure of decorating their home with a work of art.
Proper use of this technique required a lot of practice and time. Perhaps this is why the Dutch valued paintings quite highly and tried not to deny the pleasure of decorating their home with a work of art.
Dutch Still Life - Mysterious Art, Rich in Meanings and Techniques
Dutch still life is not just a depiction of objects, but a real art in which each element carries its own meaning and becomes a key part of a complex composition. This genre grew out of narrative paintings, becoming an independent art thanks to Protestantism, which rejected the depiction of saints. Instead, artists began to depict flowers, fruits and game with deep religious or moral meaning.
Early works of Dutch still life were distinguished by an abundance of dishes and dishes, testifying to the past of the genre. Over time, flowers and more modest treats appeared on the canvases, forming various thematic areas with unique symbols. Deciphering the symbolism, we see that each element, from a flower to a dish, carries its own hidden message.
Dutch still life not only amazes visually with its realism, but also enriches our understanding of the world through intellectual games of symbols. An important aspect of this art is the painting technique - multi-layered painting that requires precision and patience. This style not only decorates the space, but provides the opportunity to peer into the depth of meaning contained in every detail.
Thus, Dutch still life is a fascinating immersion into the world of symbols, secrets and craftsmanship, revealing not only beauty, but also deep philosophical reflections of 17th century artists.