Breakfast with ham, 1647, 40x61 cm, Eremitaget Pieter Claesz (1597-1660)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a breakfast scene. A white linen cloth dominates the foreground, draped across a table that occupies most of the pictorial space. Upon this surface are arranged various foodstuffs: a generous portion of cured ham, a loaf of bread sliced open to reveal its interior, several peaches and walnuts, and a small pile of grapes. A pewter tankard filled with dark liquid sits alongside a glass goblet, suggesting beverages intended for consumption with the meal. A small ceramic pot is also present, likely containing butter or another condiment.
The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of textures – the sheen of the ham, the rough crust of the bread, the soft fuzz on the peaches, and the folds of the linen. Light falls from an unseen source, illuminating certain areas while leaving others in shadow, contributing to a sense of depth and volume. The dark background serves to emphasize the objects themselves, preventing distraction and focusing attention on their materiality.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of food, the painting carries potential subtexts related to abundance and prosperity. The generous portions suggest a comfortable lifestyle, indicative of wealth or at least relative security. The careful arrangement of the items can be interpreted as an expression of order and control – virtues often associated with domesticity and societal standing in the 17th century.
Furthermore, the inclusion of both natural (peaches, grapes) and processed (ham, bread) elements hints at a complex relationship between nature and human intervention. The pewter tankard and ceramic pot suggest a transition from more rustic tableware to refined metalware, potentially signifying an evolving social status or taste. The overall effect is one of quiet luxury and understated elegance, inviting contemplation on the simple pleasures of life within a specific historical context.