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Susenier, Abraham
Vanitas Still Life with a Portrait of Rembrandt, a Sculpture, a Skull, Feathers, an Overturned Roemer and a Portfolio of Drawings Nature morte (vanitas) avec un portrait de Rembrandt, une sculpture, un crâne, des plumes, un Roemer renversé et un portfolio de dessins
around 1669-72 v. 1668

Active in Leiden, The Hague, and Dordrecht, Abraham Susenier specialized in still life. In this glimpse of an artist’s studio, drawings spilling from a well-thumbed portfolio allude to works by Rembrandt (a self-portrait now at Buckland Abbey) and by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens (a Diana and her Nymphs in Paris). Is it a coincidence that both Rembrandt and the skull are sporting feathers? These plumes allude to both pride and the futility of earthly endeavors.

Artist Artiste
Susenier, Abraham
Artist Dates Naissance/décès de l'artiste
Leiden, Netherlands 1620-Dordrecht, Netherlands 1672 Leiden, Netherlands 1620-Dordrecht, Netherlands 1672
Title Titre
Vanitas Still Life with a Portrait of Rembrandt, a Sculpture, a Skull, Feathers, an Overturned Roemer and a Portfolio of Drawings Nature morte (vanitas) avec un portrait de Rembrandt, une sculpture, un crâne, des plumes, un Roemer renversé et un portfolio de dessins
Date Date
around 1669-72 v. 1668
Category Collection
European Historical Art européen ancien
Medium Technique d’expression
Oil on canvas Huile sur toile
Dimensions Dimensions
overall: 60.3 cm x 74.3 cm
Credit Line Mention de source
Gift of Alfred and Isabel Bader, 2014 Don d'Alfred et Isabel Bader, 2014
Accession Number Numéro d'acquisition
57-001.32

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