Still Life c. 1668

David Davidsz de Heem created this lush still life, with oil on canvas, sometime during the Dutch Golden Age. Still lifes like these were more than just pretty pictures. They reflected the wealth and global reach of the Dutch Republic, a major player in international trade. Look at the spread: a bright red lobster, citrus fruits, perhaps from the Mediterranean, and what looks like spices or tobacco. Each object tells a story of commerce, colonialism, and consumption. De Heem, like many artists, was supported by the era's rising merchant class. These patrons wanted to see their prosperity mirrored in art. What do you think about the ethics of this? Does the beauty of the painting complicate its relationship to global power dynamics? The painting serves as a reminder of the intricate connections between art, wealth, and the wider world.