Still-life, Haddock, Plaice, Crabs and Lobster

The catching, selling and consumption of fish was of such importance to the Dutch during the 1600s, that certain painters became specialists in this specific genre. Van Beijeren was the best-known, and along with seascapes and pronk (ostentatious) still-lifes, devoted his career to the genre.

This still life shows several types of fish and sea creatures. Some are in wicker baskets, and the others rest on the table including lobster, crabs, haddocks and pink salmon steak. Pots and pans can be seen in the background, suggesting that these creatures will be cooked, and the presence of fisherman to the left, beyond, implies that these were a recent haul.

Van Beijeren based his fish Still Lifes on a handful of compositions, which he then repeated with slight variations. The objects are arranged carefully, the fish in long and flowing waves. Breaking up the grey and brown tones of the basket and fish are the bright flesh of the salmon steak and the delicate pink innards of the slashed fish. Van Beijeren produced many more paintings than other artists at the time. Despite this prolific career, the artist suffered from financial difficulties for much of his life. He moved around often, probably in an effort to avoid debts.

Still Life paintings featuring fish were regarded by some as a sub-standard genre, not worthy of a high price, or even discussion. In his 1707 book, Het Groote Schilderboek, Gerard de Lairesse dismissed the genre as such, 'we shall pass over these: anyone who likes them can take himself off to the market'.

Credit: Gifted by Arthur Kay, 1901