In a groundbreaking exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to view four monumental still life paintings by Dutch master Jan Davidsz de Heem. These works, created as a series during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, have not been displayed together since the 17th century.
A Window into the Dutch Golden Age
The quartet of paintings, dating from 1640 to 1643, exemplifies the pronkstilleven style—ornate still life compositions that showcase the wealth and global reach of the Dutch Republic during its economic and cultural zenith. De Heem’s masterpieces, on loan from prestigious collections worldwide, offer a tantalizing glimpse into the opulence and extravagance of this era.
Fruits and Rich Dishes on a Table (1640)
On loan from the Louvre, this painting sets the stage for the series with its bountiful display of exotic fruits, fine tableware, and luxurious textiles. The meticulous rendering of textures and play of light across the composition demonstrate De Heem’s unparalleled skill in capturing the essence of these prized possessions.
Still Life with Boy and Parrots (1641)
Perhaps the most provocative work in the series, this painting from the Brussels City Museum features an enslaved African boy amidst the lavish array of objects. The inclusion of this figure serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the Dutch Republic’s prosperity, which was built in part on the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The paintings are intended to show off the owners’ wealth and global reach, but they also include moral messages, pointing out that these riches do not endure.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Still Life in a Palatial Setting (1642)
On loan from a private collection, this work situates the sumptuous still life within a grand architectural setting, alluding to the immense wealth and power of the Dutch elite. The juxtaposition of the transient beauty of the objects with the permanence of the palatial surroundings invites reflection on the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures.
Banquet Still Life (1643)
The centerpiece of the exhibition, valued at approximately £6 million, has been a highlight of the Fitzwilliam’s collection since 2023. This monumental work represents the culmination of De Heem’s series, with its astonishing array of luxurious objects, exotic creatures, and hidden symbols that hint at the moral complexities of the age.
As visitors immerse themselves in the exquisite details and hidden meanings of these masterpieces, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural context of the Dutch Golden Age. The exhibition, titled “Picturing Excess,” invites modern audiences to consider the enduring relevance of these works and the societal issues they illuminate.
De Heem’s work was known for its lifelike precision, with the Guardian’s art critic Jonathan Jones describing another painting—Still Life with Lobster (1643)—as the “17th-century Dutch answer to food porn”.
The reunion of these four masterpieces at the Fitzwilliam Museum is a testament to the enduring power of art to captivate, educate, and provoke reflection across centuries. As visitors explore the opulent world of Jan Davidsz de Heem’s still lifes, they will undoubtedly find themselves drawn into a fascinating dialogue between the past and present.
“Picturing Excess: Jan Davidsz de Heem” will be on view at the Fitzwilliam Museum from 3 December until 13 April 2025. This landmark exhibition promises to be an unforgettable journey through the grandeur and complexities of the Dutch Golden Age, as seen through the eyes of one of its most celebrated masters.
