Sant-Acker, F. – Stilleven met Nautilusbeker, 1648-1688 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a silver nautilus cup. The artist has positioned this vessel prominently, its reflective surface dominating the upper portion of the canvas and catching what little light penetrates the otherwise somber setting. Below it, a collection of citrus fruits – oranges and lemons – are nestled within a shallow, tarnished silver dish. Scattered about are discarded peels, adding a sense of consumption and transience to the scene. A single apple rests on a richly patterned textile that serves as the base for the arrangement. To the left, another piece of silverware is visible, partially obscured by the drapery.
The dark background contributes significantly to the overall mood; it creates a void that emphasizes the objects in the foreground and enhances their tactile qualities. The limited palette – primarily silver, orange, yellow, red, and deep browns – further reinforces this effect. Light falls unevenly across the arrangement, highlighting certain surfaces while leaving others in shadow, which adds depth and complexity to the visual field.
Beyond a simple depiction of objects, the painting seems to explore themes of wealth, luxury, and the passage of time. The silver cup and fruit suggest affluence, yet their tarnished state and the discarded peels hint at decay and impermanence. The elaborate textile beneath the arrangement speaks to opulence, but its worn appearance suggests a history of use and perhaps even neglect.
The inclusion of the nautilus shell itself carries symbolic weight. Nautilus shells were often associated with exploration, travel, and the vastness of the ocean – a metaphor for the unknown or the spiritual realm. Its presence within this domestic setting creates a subtle tension between worldly possessions and something beyond material concerns. The careful arrangement and meticulous rendering of each object suggest an appreciation for beauty and detail, but also perhaps a meditation on mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures.