An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Still Life with Asparagus, Adriaen Coorte, 1697h 25cm × w 20.5cm
Adriaen Coorte
paper
In a quiet corner of art history, there lies a collection of paintings that whisper rather than shout. These are the works of the Dutch painter Coorte, whose brush danced delicately across the canvas, capturing the essence of modesty in a time when opulence reigned supreme. Each of his paintings is a small treasure, an intimate still life that invites the viewer to pause and reflect.
Picture a slender stalk of asparagus, its green hue vibrant against the soft backdrop of the canvas. Coorte’s focus is unwavering, offering a striking contrast to the grandiose still lifes celebrated by his contemporaries. While others clotted their canvases with overflowing cascades of gilded fruits and untold riches, Coorte chose a different path. He immersed himself in the beauty of simplicity, tenderly illuminating a solitary vegetable with meticulous detail.
In a world preoccupied with extravagance, Coorte’s still lifes evoke a quiet contemplation, inviting us to appreciate the beauty found in the humble and overlooked. As the light falls gently upon the objects, we are reminded of the significance that can be drawn from the smallest of subjects. Here lies a rich tapestry woven from the threads of life, where each brushstroke reveals a narrative hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.