Willem Claesz. Heda

Still Life With Gilt Goblet - 1635       [Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam]

Not much is known about the painter Willem Claesz. Heda (1594-c.1680). He lived all his life in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and joined the St Luke's Guild in 1631, holding a series of positions. Early in his career Heda painted a number of figure studies, but later concentrated exclusively on still lifes.

Heda was considered a master in rendering reflections, the light that catches on smooth and shiny surfaces. The magnificent still life in the Rijksmuseum is an excellent example of this play of light as well as the artist's subtle use of colour and the delicate finish to his paintings.