Still-Life with Nautilus Cup by Maerten Boelema de Stomme.

This still life is attributed to Willem Kalf (Dutch, 1619–1693), a master of the Dutch Golden Age pronkstilleven(luxury still life).

It features an elaborate nautilus cup mounted in silver, a fallen glass, a silver plate with a partially peeled lemon or citron, scattered nuts, and a knife arranged on a draped table.

Kalf’s hallmark is evident in the controlled lighting, rich but restrained palette, and meticulous rendering of reflective surfaces.

The contrast between precious objects and perishable fruit subtly conveys themes of wealth, refinement, and the transience of worldly pleasures.