An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Still Life1658
Artist: Jan Jansz. van de Velde
Dutch, 1620–1662
Dutch still life
15 x 12 in. (38.1 x 30.48 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
Gift of Bruce B. Dayton
In the dim glow of tavern lights, where the laughter of patrons echoed like a gentle lullaby, there was a different kind of beauty captured on canvas. Unlike many still-life painters who glorified opulent feasts spread across gleaming gold and silver platters, Jan van de Velde chose to immerse himself in the honest, robust pleasures of everyday life. His art became a reflection of the middle-class joys found in the cozy corners of taverns, where the simple moments of life whispered profound truths.
Take a closer look at the scene: the broken pipe rests silently, a once vibrant companion now rendered lifeless. Nearby, the rope that once secured the sails of fortune has begun to fray and molder, a quiet reminder of how quickly time erodes even the strongest ties. The oysters glisten with potential, lemons sit poised with zest, and the wine—oh, the wine—awaits either a joyful toast or a solemn waste. Each item in this humble yet poignant arrangement speaks of transience, the fleeting nature of existence.
And then, there are the playing cards, tossed haphazardly on the table. They symbolize not just games, but the whims of fate, the mysterious ways life can shift like the turn of a card. In the background, the wine's essence could hint at redemption—a sacred echo of faith that reminds us of a deeper connection to both life and spirit. In Jan van de Velde's world, these seemingly trivial objects embody the rich tapestry of human experience, inviting us to ponder the beauty and fragility of every moment we hold dear.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘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.