295. Majestic still life with gifts of nature and a parrot. 19th century. By Jan David De Heem.

A majestic hymn to epicureanism. Totem, on the wealth of the house and the table. Love spell of abundant wealth. In fact, it is a continuation of the Dutch tradition of philosophical still life about the frailty of being, where oysters, peaches, wine, cut melon, refer to brief and dubious carnal temptations. Attractive in appearance, but sour lemon - personifies volatility and betrayal. Silver and gold dishes personify earthly riches and their futility, and the ham is a hymn to visible and weighty materiality and corporality. Parrot - noisy bragging and stupid vanity. Flute and sheet music are abandoned pastimes. All these elements are terraced in the picture, forming diagonal intersections, in the center of which is located, alluring with freshness, a ham. However, the most important detail remains in the shadows. This is a blue chest with keys, which is above and to the right of the meat dish. On it is a glass, bread and grapes - symbols of the sacrament. And accordingly, it contains the desired meaning of the picture and the universe - the sacrament of the Eucharist, the transformations of Christ`s truths. There is their hidden triumph amid the hustle and bustle of fleeting life. 19th century. By Jan David De Heem. Oil on canvas.82 X126 cm.