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Probably by Gerrit Willemsz. Heda, 'Still Life with a Nautilus Cup', probably about 1645

About the work

Overview

This gloriously cluttered picture seems to suggest the aftermath of a rich banquet that’s gone a little too far. Objects sit on the table at a perilous angle or materialise from nowhere, but the one that takes centre stage is secure. It’s called a nautilus cup and is meant to impress. It’s made from a real nautilus shell, at the time a rare and costly item.

A feast should have food, and Heda places a huge fish on a pewter plate. But it’s on the edge of the table, easily knocked off; the glasses next to it also tip sideways. Heda doesn't necessarily want to give a feeling of instability. He may have used this method to show skill at projecting objects into space towards us.

The fish, salt and nautilus all have a connection to the sea – perhaps the picture was a commission from a guild of merchants who dealt in such goods.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Still Life with a Nautilus Cup
Artist
Probably by Gerrit Willemsz. Heda
Artist dates
about 1624 - 1649
Date made
probably about 1645
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
84.6 × 99.5 cm
Acquisition credit
Bequeathed by Claude Dickason Rotch, 1962
Inventory number
NG6336
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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