Dutch Still Life Reflections, Willem Claesz. Heda - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Dutch Still Life Reflections: Exploring the Intricacies of Willem Claesz. Heda's Masterpiece

In the realm of Dutch still life paintings, Willem Claesz. Heda's "Still Life with Gilt Goblet" holds a prominent position. This 1635 masterpiece, displayed in the esteemed Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, captures the essence of the Dutch Golden Age. Amidst the opulent works of Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other renowned artists, Heda's painting stands out for its captivating depiction of window reflections on various objects within the composition.

Upon close examination, one is immediately drawn to the intricate interplay of light and reflections in Heda's work. The metal jug and the partially filled green glass serve as canvases for an array of window reflections. The question arises: are these reflections accurate, and can we unravel their mysteries?

During the 17th century Dutch Golden Age, art flourished as merchants and burghers demanded exquisite works to adorn their homes. Haarlem, Heda's hometown, boasted a remarkable concentration of painters, with one artist for every 500 residents. Within this vibrant artistic landscape, still life paintings emerged as a popular genre, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a showcase for the technical prowess of painters like Heda.

Unveiling the Window Reflections

Delving into the intricacies of Heda's painting, we encounter a myriad of window reflections that add depth and realism to the composition. Let's explore some of the fascinating reflections and their possible explanations:

1. Reflections in Soap Bubbles: Two distinct types of reflections can be observed in soap bubbles within the painting. The first type, labeled as "A," is an erect image produced by reflection from the convex surface of the bubble. The second type, labeled as "B," is an inverted reflection formed by the concave mirror at the rear of the bubble.

2. Reflection from Water Surface: By gently shaking the glass, we can observe another reflection labeled as "C." This reflection involves the water surface acting as a mirror, with rays first being focused by the concave surface in the air and then reflected by the water.

3. Faint Reflections from Concave Surfaces: The painting also reveals a faint image labeled as "D," which involves two reflections from concave surfaces positioned above the water. These reflections add an intriguing layer of complexity to the overall composition.

4. Elusive Chromatic Reflection: One of the most captivating reflections, labeled as "c," is near the base of the glass. This chromatic reflection exhibits dispersion of colors at the air/glass/water interfaces, similar to the phenomenon of a rainbow. While it may result from two internal reflections, there is a possibility that a water surface reflection is also involved.

Heda's Observational Skill

As we marvel at the intricacy and accuracy of the window reflections in Heda's painting, we must acknowledge his keen observational skills. Heda painted this masterpiece from life, demonstrating his astute ability to capture the play of light and reflections with remarkable precision.

Interestingly, it seems that Heda may have employed a clever artistic device in this particular work. Comparing "Still Life with Gilt Goblet" to other paintings by Heda, we discover that he used a similar prop with comparable reflections in at least three additional works. This artistic choice adds an element of continuity and familiarity to his body of work.

In conclusion, Willem Claesz. Heda's "Still Life with Gilt Goblet" showcases the artist's mastery in capturing the nuances of window reflections. Through his skillful brushwork, Heda transports us to the Dutch Golden Age, where still life paintings flourished as a symbol of prosperity and technical virtuosity. By unraveling the intricacies of the reflections within this masterpiece, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and observational acumen of Heda and his contemporaries.

Dutch Still Life Reflections

A photo by Eric Guicherit of �Still Life with Gilt Goblet� by Willem Claesz. Heda.

Note the many window reflections on the metal jug and especially on the partially filled green glass. Are they accurate? Can they be explained?

Heda�s 1635 painting hangs in the Gallery of Honour of Amsterdam�s glorious Rijksmuseum alongside four Vermeers, Rembrandts, works of Hooch, Cuyp, Saenredam and others.

All were products of the 17C Dutch Golden Age, a vibrant time for the new Republic and one of unparalleled prosperity.

Merchants and burghers demanded artworks. Heda�s town of Haarlem had one painter per 500 of population. Painters specialised. Highly staged, figurative still lifes were both popular and a tool to display a painter�s technical mastery.

There are more than nine window images.

A and B are the ones seen in soap bubbles. A is an erect image produced by reflection from the convex surface. B is inverted and formed by the rearwards concave mirror.

Shaking the glass very gently shows that C involves reflection from the water surface. Rays are first focussed by the concave surface in the air and then reflected by the water.

The faint image 'D' involves two reflections from concave surfaces above the water.

There are several fainter 'air side' reflections whose ray paths would probably need mathematical ray tracing to fathom.

The main �water side� image �b� is chromatic. Rays were refracted and colour dispersed at air/glass/water interfaces. Light is reflected and focussed once inside the glass � the ray path is similar to that of a rainbow. The image �c� is elusive. It is near the base of the glass in Heda�s painting and there is every reason to believe its accuracy. It might result from two internal reflections but a water surface reflection is possibly also involved.

Heda�s painting alongside a smaller OPOD glass but of the same approximate shape and curvature.

The window to the left has produced remarkably similar major and minor reflections. The different curvature has shifted them slightly, especially those in the water filled part, but otherwise they are the same.

Heda painted this from life and was an astute observer.

He perhaps cheated just a little because at least three more of his paintings have the same prop with similar reflections!

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