Still Life with a Chinese Porcelain Jar

Willem Kalf

Still Life with a Chinese Porcelain Jar

Oil on Canvas, Painting

30 3/4 x 26 in.

1669

Willem Kalf (1619-1693) was a student of Hendrik Pot, a painter of historical subjects, and probably also of the painter Cornelis Saftleven. Kalf chose still life as his subject matter, his earlier work depicted kitchen interiors with such elements as gourds and pots and pans strewn on the floor, whereas his later work was more elaborate- depicting luxurious compositions featuring such expensive and extraordinary objects as goblets, pewter, Venetian glass, and Chinese porcelain atop a marble or tapestry-covered table such as the one depicted here. His still life paintings used simple composition, dark background, and acutely perceived highlights.

            When Willem Kalf painted this luxurious still life, his home city of Amsterdam was the trading center of Europe. Persian textiles, tropical fruits, and Asian porcelains were just a few of the exotic commodities brought by intrepid Dutch seafarers to the bustling markets of the capital.

The precious objects assembled here are carefully arranged to celebrate both the painter's skill and the enterprising spirit of Holland's golden age. On a marble tabletop, polished Dutch silver reflects the sparkle of delicate Venetian glass, while a curling lemon peel teases the senses of smell and taste. Reflections animate the glossy surface of a Chinese export porcelain jar from the 1640s. The centerpiece of the composition is a Dutch roemer, or wine glass, with an elaborate gilded mount. At its base, a cherub clutches a cornucopia, symbolizing peace and plenty, but the rumpled carpet seems to offer only a precarious support. At left, a ticking watch signals the passage of time. While enjoying their worldly success, Dutch Calvinist burghers valued such reminders that their earthly prosperity was no substitute for eternal salvation

            This piece was chosen because of its depth in color and subject matter. The colors are somewhat dark causing the viewer to look deep at the painting, and from object to object slowly. The Chinese Jar grabs the attention first and then the viewer makes his way across the table. It appears that the objects are idly tossed across the table, yet there is a sense of precision and beauty. The glass and porcelain objects are expensive and yet used with everyday objects like a platter and fruit. It brings together the extraordinary and the ordinary into everyday life.