Still Life with a Lobster

Currently not on view

Still Life with a Lobster

17th century

Attributed to Frans Snyders (Flemish (active Antwerp), 1579–1657)

Frans Snyders synthesizes symbolic and spiritual references with the presentation of both humble and opulent foods typical of a banket (table) still life. He includes costly elements, such as pronk goblets and Venetian glasses, as well as lobster, considered a luxury because it could not be fished off the Dutch coast. Lobster also symbolized instability due to its ability to crawl both forward and backward. Herring (center right) was an important element of the seventeenth-century maritime economy as a source of profit for the Netherlands, but it was a modest, local food. Wine and bread in still-life paintings have spiritual significance as they refer to the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Still Life with a Lobster

Date:

17th century

Artist:

Attributed to Frans Snyders (Flemish (active Antwerp), 1579–1657)

Medium:

Oil on panel

Dimensions:

27 3/8 x 41 13/16 inches (69.5 x 106.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 700

Geography:

Made in Southern Netherlands (modern Belgium), Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view