“Still Life with Crab, Shrimps and Lobster” is an exquisite artwork created by the artist Clara Peeters in the year 1640, during the Baroque art movement. This masterpiece belongs to the still life genre and is currently housed at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) in Houston, Texas.
The artwork depicts an opulent arrangement of seafood and other delicacies meticulously placed on a lavishly set table. Central to the composition are a plate of shrimps and a sizeable red lobster, surrounded by a crab and various types of bread and cheese. The rich textures and vibrant colors, coupled with intricate details such as a silver salt cellar and ornate goblets, showcase the artist’s exceptional skill in portraying diverse materials and their tactile qualities. The elegant drapery and reflections from the polished surfaces enhance the sense of realism, characteristic of the Baroque era, and evoke a sense of abundance and luxury.