Pieter Claesz., 'Still Life with Pie, Pewter Jug and Berkemeyer', about 1628

This work is a prime example of Pieter Claesz’s signature monochromatic breakfast pieces from the 1620s. Its subject matter, diagonal composition and consummate tonal style are all characteristic of an early phase in the artist’s career, demonstrating his revolutionary focus on light and texture.

The subject is an ontbijtje or breakfast piece, showing a recently disturbed meal. The key motifs – a partially eaten pie, a tall pewter jug, a berkemeier glass, a broken bread roll and a peeled lemon – are all staples of his repertory. The composition is beautifully arranged along a diagonal, drawing the viewer’s eye from the foreground elements on the left towards the towering jug on the right, creating a sense of both immediacy and depth. This arrangement, which appears casual but is meticulously planned, is a hallmark of Claesz’s most effective works.

The work is a perfect demonstration of the tonal or monochromatic approach that Claesz pioneered in Haarlem. He subordinates colour to a subtle harmony of browns, greys and greens, allowing him to focus on the virtuoso rendering of light and texture. The cool gleam on the pewter, the transparency of the glass, the crisp crust of the bread and the moist peel of the lemon are painted with astonishing realism. The picture’s horizontal format is well suited to such a complex tabletop scene. Datable to about 1628, this painting comes from a pivotal moment in Claesz’s career. Shortly after, he established himself in Haarlem and began to move away from the brighter and abundantly colourful palettes of his predecessors to develop the subdued, atmospheric style for which he is most celebrated.