Jan Davidsz. de Heem 1606-1684

This study explores the life and work of Jan Davidsz. de Heem, and examines it within the context of still-life painting in the Netherlands, particularly from the period 1626 to 1684, during which de Heem was active. In those years, certainly from c.1640 to c.1675, Jan Davidsz. de Heem was one of the leading painters of still lifes. Apart from the unmistakably high quality of his work, the fact that he worked alternately in the Northern and Southern Netherlands contributed substantially to the spreading of his renown. A thorough analysis of his oeuvre makes it clear that throughout his career, Jan Davidsz. de Heem, in addition to maintaining a high standard of quality for his work, was continuously looking for changes, innovations, and improvements, in contrast with many of his contemporaries who, once they had found their own manner, kept on repeating themselves. Also, he must constantly have kept a keen eye on the market for his works.