Clara Peeters – Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels Mauritshuis

In this still life painting by Clara Peeters, the viewer is presented with a lavish yet humble array of food items. Prominently displayed are several large wheels and blocks of cheese, some with dark, aged rinds and others with a lighter, cracked surface. These cheeses are arranged on dark platters, creating a rich, textured contrast.

Other elements in the composition include:

• Bread: A round loaf of bread, partially cut, sits beneath a delicate, ornate glass goblet filled with a golden liquid, likely wine or ale. A smaller slice of bread is stacked on top of some of the cheese.
• Almonds and Dried Fruits: In a blue and white patterned bowl, a mix of almonds and what appear to be dried fruits such as dates or figs are artfully arranged. A few stray almonds and dried fruits are scattered near the bowl.
• Sausages/Pretzels: A pair of twisted, pale pink items, likely sausages or perhaps a type of pretzel, are laid out in the foreground.
• Pottery and Metalware: A sturdy, corrugated earthenware jug with a metal lid stands behind the cheeses, and a tarnished silver knife rests on the table, ready to be used.

Subtexts:

Clara Peeters Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels can be interpreted on several levels:

• Abundance and Wealth: The variety and quantity of food suggest a certain level of prosperity. The presence of fine glassware and a detailed patterned bowl also speaks to wealth and good taste. In the context of the Dutch Golden Age, still life paintings often served as showcases for the owners wealth and social standing.
• Transience and Mortality (Vanitas): While not overtly featuring the typical symbols of mortality like skulls or hourglasses, the still life hints at the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. The cut loaf of bread, the partially consumed food, and the fact that these items are perishable all subtly underscore the idea that life is short and enjoyment should be taken in the present. The luxurious but ultimately consumable nature of the food can be seen as a memento mori.
• Domesticity and Everyday Life: The painting celebrates the simple aspects of life and sustenance. By focusing on common food items, Peeters brings a sense of realism and relatability, elevating the ordinary to the status of art.
• Skill and Realism: Peeters was a master of depicting textures and surfaces with incredible detail. The cracks and imperfections in the cheese, the sheen of the glass, the rough texture of the bread, and the smooth shells of the almonds are all rendered with remarkable realism. This technical prowess itself can be seen as a subtext, demonstrating the artists mastery and the value placed on accurate representation in art.
• Artists Presence (Self-Portraiture/Signature): Clara Peeters was known for incorporating small, disguised self-portraits within her still lifes. While not explicitly visible in this particular rendition, its a known characteristic of her work that she would often include a miniature reflection of herself, perhaps in a shiny object. This act of inclusion asserts her presence and authorship, challenging the traditional male-dominated art world.
• Sensory Experience: The painting is a feast for the eyes, but it also evokes other senses. The viewer can almost smell the sharp tang of the cheese, feel the crumbly texture of the bread, and taste the sweetness of the dried fruits and the richness of the drink. This appeal to multiple senses enhances the viewers engagement with the artwork.