Banquet Still-Life with a Mouse

Abraham van Beyeren, the third outstanding master of pronk still-lifes, like Jan Davidsz de Heem, who seems to have inspired him, painted sumptuous compositions of lobsters, fruit, and expensive tableware, and included rich draperies and columns to enhance the splendid effect. Van Beyeren, however, hardly ever overloads his compositions in the way that de Heem does; on the other hand, he seldom shows Kalf’s moderation. At his best, he is a subtle colourist who works in a light key, with an appealing free and liquid touch. A soft silvery light unifies his fine colour harmonies, anticipating the palette of eighteenth-century painters.