Fine Art Prints, Paintings and Posters by Pieter Claesz.

Life and work of the famous painter Pieter Claesz

Pieter Claesz, also known as Pieter Claesz van Haarlem, was a Dutch painter known for his still life paintings during the Dutch Golden Age. He was born in 1596 in Berchem, Belgium, and died in 1660 in Haarlem, Netherlands. Pieter Claesz was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create realistic still life paintings with a strong sense of light and texture. His works often featured objects such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and glassware arranged in carefully composed compositions, often against a dark background. He was particularly known for his "ontbijtjes," which were small breakfast or lunch still life paintings. Pieter Claesz's paintings often displayed a high level of technical skill, with precise rendering of textures, reflections, and details. He made use of a naturalistic lighting effect known as "clair-obscur," which created a strong contrast between light and shadow, adding depth and drama to his compositions. Pieter Claesz continued to paint and enjoy success throughout his career. However, by the mid-17th century, the demand for still life paintings began to decline, and Claesz's popularity waned. He died in relative obscurity in Haarlem in 1660. Despite his diminished popularity in later years, Pieter Claesz's works continued to be admired for their technical skill and artistic merit. Today, his still life paintings are considered masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, and his works can be found in major museums and private collections around the world. His influence on still life painting is still evident in contemporary art, and he is considered one of the important painters of the genre during his time.