Натюрморт с пирогом из индейки Pieter Claesz (1597-1660)

The composition presents a lavish still life arranged on a draped table. A substantial portion of the canvas is occupied by a white linen cloth, its folds meticulously rendered to suggest weight and texture. Upon this surface rests a profusion of food items, carefully positioned to create a sense of abundance and opulence.
Dominating the central area is a pie, seemingly made with fowl meat, presented on a silver platter. Adjacent to it are several plates laden with oysters, their shells meticulously depicted, revealing the pearly interiors. A glass of pale green liquid sits nearby, likely wine or another beverage intended to accompany the meal. Further enhancing the sense of luxury, a silver candlestick holds a partially melted candle, its wax pooling on the table surface.
To the left, a large ornate silver teapot stands alongside a small dish containing olives, contributing to the overall impression of refined taste and wealth. A selection of bread rolls is arranged near the pie, while a bowl overflowing with grapes, peaches, and other fruits adds a touch of sweetness and color to the scene. The presence of a whole turkey, its plumage detailed with remarkable precision, serves as a focal point, positioned behind the food items and partially obscured by them. A single rose blooms from the bird’s chest, introducing an element of delicate beauty amidst the richness of the feast.
The lighting is carefully controlled, highlighting certain elements while leaving others in shadow. This creates depth and emphasizes the textures of the various objects – the sheen of the silver, the smoothness of the oysters, the crust of the pie. The dark background serves to isolate the table arrangement, drawing the viewer’s attention entirely to the display of food and tableware.
Beyond a simple depiction of a meal, the painting suggests themes of prosperity, indulgence, and perhaps even transience. The abundance of food implies wealth and privilege, while the partially consumed oysters and melting candle might allude to the fleeting nature of pleasure and material possessions. The inclusion of the rose introduces a subtle note of mortality and beauty’s fragility within this context of lavish display. Overall, the work conveys an atmosphere of refined elegance and quiet contemplation on themes of abundance and its inherent complexities.