Meat Stall
Pieter Aertsen, 1551
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
This work by Pieter Aertsen, born in Amsterdam and from around 1530 active in Antwerp, is often seen as the first still life in the Low Countries. It is impressive, gruesome, and astonishing, all at the same time. Viewers have no choice but to be overwhelmed by the abundance of food. In the background on the left, Mary gives alms to a begging child as churchgoers look away. On the right, brothel habitués celebrate in a pub. The many contradictions in the painting have led to numerous speculations about its meaning. The painting probably warns against materialism and greed, calling for contemplation and moderation, a theme that is still topical today.
At least five versions of this work are known. The theme was much in demand. For a long time, the version in Uppsala, from the collection of Emperor Rudolf II, was considered to be the best. It was only in 1993 that this version – hitherto unknown but artistically much better – came to light. It is wonderful that this extraordinary work can be admired on both sides of the Atlantic.
— Marrigje Rikken, Head of collections, Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem
Object details
Meat Stall with the Holy Family 1551
Oil on panel | 115.6 x 168.9 cm | Inv. no. 93.2
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh (purchased with the support of Wendell and Linda Murphy and several donors)
Pieter Aertsen
Amsterdam ca. 1508 – 1575 Amsterdam
Inscription on the sign in the upper right corner: ‘hier achter is erve / te coope terstöt metter / roeÿë elck sÿn gerief / oft teenemale • 154’
Gallery
