The artwork, entitled “Still Life with Salt Tub,” is a creation by the artist Pieter Claesz, dating back to 1644. This piece is a notable example of the Baroque art movement and belongs to the still life genre.
The artwork depicts a meticulously composed arrangement of everyday objects. Central to the composition is a clear glass filled with a golden liquid, possibly wine, placed on a richly decorated stand. In front of it is a tub of salt, its crystalline granules gleaming in the light. A knife rests parallel to a partially cut loaf of bread, which is located beside a plate of fish garnished with herbs. The objects are laid out on a white cloth that drapes elegantly over the edge of the table, adding a sense of depth and texture. The background is devoid of distractions, ensuring that the viewer’s attention remains focused on the still life subjects. The careful play of light and shadow showcases Claesz’s remarkable ability to capture the three-dimensionality and texture of the objects, characteristic of the Baroque attention to detail and realism.
