An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The Well-stocked Kitchen, with Jesus in het House of Martha and Mary in the Background, Joachim Bueckelaer, 1566h 171cm × w 250cm × w 54.5kg
Joachim Bueckelaer
oil on panel
In a quaint, sunlit kitchen, where the scent of ripe tomatoes mingles with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread, one can’t help but admire the vibrant display of produce—lush green vegetables, plump fruits, and gleaming kitchenware, all arranged meticulously by diligent housemaids. Their hands, weathered yet graceful, have worked tirelessly to create this cornucopia of abundance, capturing the eye with its colorful allure.
But as one gazes deeper, the painting reveals a more profound story, hidden almost like a whispered secret. Beyond the bustling foreground, in a softened blur, are two women—Mary and Martha. Jesus stands gently in their midst, his presence a serene beacon of wisdom. Here, in this ethereal moment, a quiet conversation unfolds, yet it feels like the world around has paused to listen.
Martha, ever-busy, seems to embody the seductive pull of worldly affairs, her focus consumed by the feast she prepares. Mary, in contrast, sits enraptured by the simple truth of Jesus’ words, her heart open and receptive. The painting masterfully contrasts these two states of being, illustrating a timeless moral: while the sensory delights of life—the fruits, the meats, the kitchenware—can dazzle and distract, true fulfillment lies in momentary stillness and spiritual connection.
Amidst the clamor of earthly pursuits, this artwork invites us to reflect. Are we, too, caught in the whirl of our daily distractions? Because like Mary and Martha, we stand at a crossroads—between worldly temptation and the deeper truths that call us home.
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.