Alexander Van Adriaenssen (antwerp, 1587 - 1661), Still Life With Oysters

Alexander (Van) Adriaenssen (Antwerp, 1587 - 1661) 

Still life with oysters, fish and lobsters  

Oil on canvas (67 x 110 cm - In frame 87 x 131 cm)  

Expertise by Prof Massimo Pirondini (Reggio Emilia)  

Full details of the work (click HERE)  

Oysters, various types of fish and two lobsters are arranged on a smooth stone surface. In the background, there is a copper pot, a large wicker basket and barrels for brine (one with the letters B V, legible upside down).  

The distinctive characteristics of the painting reveal it to be the product of the particular historical and cultural environment that emerged in the Netherlands between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when the genre of “still life” achieved extraordinary importance as the absolute protagonist, rather than a marginal accessory, of works of art.  

Dutch still life, whether of flowers, fruit, game, tableware or everyday objects, tended to focus on simple, domestic themes, almost as if to represent the deep love of its people for the reality of the humble, everyday things in life. This was in contrast to the Flemish style, which, on the contrary, became increasingly theatrical, pompous and “plénitude débordante”.  

The “Still Life with Oysters, Fish and Lobsters” considered here fully reflects the Dutch inclination, with its sober figuration and essential composition. In particular, if we analyse the orderly spatial arrangement of the objects, we can easily attribute the painting to Alexander von Adriassen (Antwerp, 1587 - 1661), whose catalogue shows clear stylistic similarities with our painting.  

His favourite subjects and recurring themes were fish, shellfish, oysters and, sometimes, game or vegetables placed on simple kitchen tables. Although he remained in Flemish Antwerp, not far from the Dutch border, he was undoubtedly influenced by it in his choice of content and compositional frugality.  

In his compositions, he carefully arranged individual objects to create a sense of balance and harmony in the painting, and his use of “empty space” is also remarkable, calibrated to highlight and give importance to what he was depicting.  

This work of art is a perfect example of the artist's ability to capture the authenticity of everyday food in a natural way: it looks like a photograph of a table in a 17th-century Dutch middle-class home, depicted without too many frills.  

Born in Antwerp in 1587, Alexander was already registered in 1610 as a master specialising in still life at the Guild of Saint Luke in his city, earning the admiration of Rubens, who had several of his works in his collection, and Anthony van Dyck, with whom he was also friends and collaborated.  

His works can be found in numerous European museums, including the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, the Rijsmuseum in Amsterdam, the Koninklijk Museum in Antwerp and the Prado in Madrid. The latter, in particular, houses a beautiful series from the Spanish royal collections, including a “Still Life with Fish, Oysters and a Cat”. (1)  (1) https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/still-life-of-fish-and-oysters-with-a-cat/d2...  

Finally, as regards the letters V B on the barrel in the background, it is unlikely that they are the artist's initials, but more likely a mark originally engraved on the container, reproduced with the letters reversed by the artist as he saw them when painting from life, as was often the case, with the aid of a mirror.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

The painting is sold complete with a pleasant antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.  

We take care of and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. 

If you would like to see this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!  

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