Still life at Kunsthandel P. de Boer
Still life, Fruitbasket and covered glass goblet Peeters Clara
Still life the Legacy of the Collectie P. en N. de Boer
In the luminous silence of a still life painting, time stands still. Objects—simple or sumptuous—are transformed into meditations on transience, luxury, and beauty. At Kunsthandel P. de Boer, we honor this tradition through a carefully curated collection that begins with the refined realism of Pieter Willebeeck, Pieter Claesz, and Claesz Haes, and continues into the vibrant work of later masters including Sebastian Stoskopf, Balthasar van der Ast, and Franchoys Rijckhals.
The still life genre flourished in the 17th century, particularly in the Dutch Republic and Southern Netherlands. Pieter Willebeeck, active in Antwerp, created pronkstillevens—rich, ornate compositions that capture the grandeur of wealth and the inevitability of decay. His work reveals the Flemish love for texture, color, and abundance, while also reflecting the era’s fascination with mortality and meaning.
A Tradition of Quiet Splendour
In contrast, the Haarlem-based Pieter Claesz and Claesz Haes developed a more restrained aesthetic. Their tonal still lifes are quiet, balanced, and contemplative, built around simple meals, reflective surfaces, and subdued palettes. They invite the viewer to pause, to look closely, and to find richness in the ordinary. This subtle form of realism became one of the defining features of Dutch still life painting.
At the core of this exhibition is the Collectie P. en N. de Boer, a collection built over decades with a sharp eye for quality, authenticity, and historical significance. As one of the most respected private collections in the Netherlands, it reflects a deep and sustained commitment to preserving the legacy of still life painting in all its forms.
From Private Passion to Public Exhibition: The P. en N. de Boer Collection
Today, Kunsthandel P. de Boer continues this tradition by presenting both historical and contemporary still lifes with equal care. The current selection includes exquisite works by Sebastian Stoskopf, an Alsatian master known for his crisp detail and precise arrangements; Balthasar van der Ast, whose flower pieces and shell compositions evoke both scientific curiosity and poetic harmony; and Franchoys Rijckhals, whose robust, earthy style blends the rustic with the refined.
These artists, though working in different times and regions, share a dedication to the still life as a vehicle for both technical mastery and philosophical reflection. Whether depicting silver vessels, exotic fruit, vanitas symbols, or everyday wares, their works remind us that beauty is inseparable from the passage of time.
We invite collectors, scholars, and admirers to experience the quiet power of still life in person at our gallery in Amsterdam or through our online collection. Every work we present is carefully vetted for quality and provenance, reflecting the standards set by our founders and upheld by the Kunsthandel P. de Boer legacy.