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Still Life with Allegory of Human Life

Joris van Son (Flemish, 1623-1667)

1658-1660

oil on canvas

H: 49 1/8 x W: 36 1/2 in. (124.7 x 92.7 cm)

Description
Elaborate garlands of sensuous, fragile blossoms at the height of their beauty and fruit ripe to the point of bursting- all inviting our touch before their inevitable decay- were often depicted framing spiritually significant images. Here they frame and complement a still life of objects alluding to the brevity of human life: a skull, a burning candle, and an hourglass. The combination encourages a meditation on the miracle of Christ’s Resurrection from his mortal death and the resurrection promised through Christ to the faithful.

Along with fruits and flowers including roses, grapes, cherries, and thistles, as well as butterflies and a beetle, Van Son has included corn, a New World addition to the European diet.
Additional Information

Bequest of Mrs. Marcelle J. von Mayer-Denues, 1985

37.2623

Charles Street: Second Floor: Chamber of Wonders

Flemish

Flanders, Belgium


Provenance

Mrs. Marcelle J. von Mayer-Denues, Columbia, Maryland [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1985, by bequest.

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