Vanitas Still-Life
by ROESTRAETEN, Pieter Gerritsz. van, Oil on canvas, 64 x 76 cm
Van Roestraeten portrayed silver objects in most of his still-lifes. Highly-wrought silver was rare, fashionable and rather expensive in England in the second half of the 17th century. Silver was the gift of choice at the court of King Charles II, the most frequent recipients being the beauties with whom the King took innocent pleasures.