HEEM, Jan Davidsz. de
(b. 1606, Utrecht, d. 1684, Antwerpen)

Sumptuous Fruit Still-Life with Jewellery Box

1650-55
Oil on canvas, 95 x 121 cm
Mauritshuis, The Hague

After 1648 the effect of theatrical staging in De Heem's still-lifes becomes more emphatic. Ostentatious flower pieces are a dominant subject. The size continues to be fairly monumental, and the composition of these paintings stands out for its sophisticated and usually asymmetric arrangements of the most diverse and glorious flowers, the most colourful assortment of fruit, and the most costly utensils.