Still Life 1605 - 1657

This still life was painted by Balthasar van der Ast. It depicts a basket filled with fruits, surrounded by other objects like shells, flowers and butterflies. These elements transcend mere decoration; they speak to the transient nature of life. Consider the butterfly, a symbol of transformation and resurrection, echoing the ancient Greek concept of Psyche, the soul departing from the body. The shells, too, carry layers of meaning. They evoke the passage of time and the relics of distant shores. The tulip, a symbol of luxury and fleeting beauty, adds to this meditation on temporality. In van der Ast’s composition, these motifs are not static; they form part of an emotional language, reminding us of the continuous cycle of growth, decay, and rebirth. Like a memento mori, the image resurfaces, evolves, and invites us to contemplate the impermanence of existence and to appreciate the beauty of the present moment.