Still life with fish Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677)

The composition presents a grouping of marine elements arranged on a dark surface. Dominating the foreground is a large fish, its silvery scales rendered with meticulous attention to light and texture. It lies diagonally across the frame, partially obscuring several smaller fish clustered beneath it. A vibrant red crab, positioned near the lower left corner, provides a striking contrast in color and form. Several lemons are scattered around the larger fish, adding touches of yellow amidst the predominantly cool tones.
The artist has employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, with deep shadows enveloping much of the scene, highlighting the objects through focused illumination. This technique intensifies the sense of volume and realism within the still life. The background is indistinct, suggesting an interior space or perhaps a shadowed corner, which further concentrates attention on the arrangement of the marine subjects.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of food items, the painting evokes themes related to abundance, mortality, and the transience of existence. The freshness implied by the glistening scales and vibrant colors contrasts with the inherent fragility of these organic forms. The presence of the crab, a creature associated with both delicacy and danger, introduces an element of complexity.
The arrangement itself suggests a moment captured just after a harvest or catch – a celebration of nature’s bounty. However, the darkness surrounding the objects hints at decay and impermanence; the viewer is reminded that even the most beautiful and plentiful things are subject to times passage. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on the cycle of life and death, rendered through the careful observation and skillful rendering of commonplace elements.