Customer Reviews

Pieter Claesz: Master of Haarlem Still Life

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I've always admired the Dutch still life paintings by Claesz, Heda, etc. Their paintings helped launch one of the largest "genres" of painting today (still life), and the mastery that went into these creations is astounding. The value of these paintings shouldn't be underestimated; they serve to not only tell us what was happening in the art world at the time, but they often give us a look in the lives of both rich and common people, bringing us a little closer to them.

This is the first book that shows Claesz's work over his life. As stated in the book's forward, it's astonishing that no one had assembled these before and it was a task long overdue.

This book surprised me when I received it. I expected it to have some impressive images, but these are truly outstanding and there are so many. Published as a catalog to a traveling show that ended December, 2005 (Washington National Gallery of Art - [...] it includes all the important still life motifs. Represented are "breakfasts", "banquets", and one of my favorites, the vanitas paintings.

I'm sorry I missed the actual show because I would have enjoyed seeing these paintings in person, but it's hard not to be enthusiastic about this catalog. Many art books are published every year and many of them are in the mediocre to good range, but this book is in the great range. If you're a still life artist or just a fan, this is something you should add to your collection. Superb! Highly recommended.

Having purchased this book a week ago I have been on cloud nine. The book traces the development of Pieter from the age of 24 to age 61. The book shows his steady progression as an artist. He arrived very early on a high plateau so don't be discouraged. His compositions got better and better as the years went by. He also had a tough life. It was not all a bed of roses.

My favorite aspect of the book are the close-ups where one can study the brushwork. His paintings look photographic but up close they are often painterly. He was not a photorealist but was able to emphasize portions of his paintings with wonderful lighting. If you paint still lifes you'll drool over these masterpieces.

Surprisingly some of the paintings are quite simple but absolutely stunning. This is a gorgeously bound book and a keeper.

I am an artist concentrating on still life paintings - this is a beautiful book with many photos of
his art work. Book talks of his life, if you're looking for a "how to" ... it's not this one.... but
his work is very fine!!