Still-Life with a Skull and Writing Quill
by CLAESZ., Pieter, Oil on wood, 24 x 36 cm
The simplicity and directness achieved in this work were gradually distilled by Claesz over a period of several years, in which he could be said to have reached a moment of early maturity. The clarity of light, its suggestion of textures, casting of shadows, and creation of substance and space testify to Claesz’s exceptional powers of observation.