Franz de Hamilton
(1640-1712)
Stillleben mit Schlange, Schnecke und Eidechse ,
um 1702 - 1712
Material / Technology / Carrier
Eichenholz
Dimensions of the object
31,5 x 23,6 cm
Displayed
Aschaffenburg Staatsgalerie Saal R 115
Acquisition
Aus der Schlossgalerie Aschaffenburg; kurmainzische Galerie
Stock
Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Staatsgalerie im Schloss Johannisburg Aschaffenburg
Citation
Franz de Hamilton, Stillleben mit Schlange, Schnecke und Eidechse , um 1702 - 1712, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Staatsgalerie im Schloss Johannisburg Aschaffenburg, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/Y0GR52gLRX (Last updated on 19.09.2023)
This type of forest-floor still life began to be produced around the middle of the seventeenth century. Instead of arranging fruit and animal still lifes on a table, painters such as Jan Davidsz. de Heem and Abraham Mignon presented them on the ground in nature. Otto Marseus van Schrieck further developed this type by transforming the forest floor itself with plants and animals into a still life. Franz de Hamilton followed this tradition. Peculiarly shaped leaves, mushrooms, and reptiles such as snakes and lizards contrast against the dark background of the forest floor. The use of items from nature enhanced the impression of naturalness: the wings of real butterflies were pressed into the still wet surface so that the colour particles would stick, and the vegetation on the ground was dabbed with real moss, creating a filigreed structure.
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