The famous artist Willem Kalf was born in the Dutch city of Rotterdam in 1619. He was one of the best creators of exquisite Dutch still life. His life path shone with a bright torch of inspiration, illuminated by love for people, life, nature. The master of the brush was a great connoisseur and appreciator of beauty. His favorite genre in painting was still lifes, created in a lush, elegant style.

Willem Kalf grew up in a large family. His father was a cloth seller. He was engaged in trade activities and worked in the city council of Rotterdam. His mother helped her husband in business, and after his death she continued to engage in trade, but without much success. As a child, Willem loved to play with his peers, draw, admire nature. He studied with famous Dutch painters Hendrik Pot and F. Reynhals.

After his mother’s death, Willem moved to The Hague, and then lived and worked in Paris. He won great public recognition, as his paintings were painted with a special, creative, artistic magic. He painted kitchen interiors, poor peasant yards, landscapes, hunting scenes, breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The artist loved to create still lifes in an unusual and original way, decorating his compositions with gold, silver, pewter dishes, juicy fruits and amazing sea shells.

The master of the brush attached great importance to table setting and saw in it the beauty and harmony of the kitchen interior. He painted many still lifes from life and selected expensive household items for them. The artist loved the play of light, conveying a kaleidoscope of bright light ranges and shades on canvas. He admired the painting of Rembrandt, sought inspiration in the world of high art and earthly nature. He was especially successful in interestingly depicting faceted goblets of wine. There was a special aura here.

In 1646, the artist returned to his native Holland and lived in Amsterdam. His wife was the poetess Cornelia Pluvier, the daughter of a priest. She wrote poetry and did calligraphy. Cornelia was a muse and a faithful assistant in her husband’s affairs. Four children were born from their marriage. Willem loved his family very much and treated them with touching care. The master of the brush was involved in charity, helped the poor and friends who knew need. It was warm, cozy and reliable with him.

The creative period of work in Amsterdam was calm and interesting. The artist began to include exotic oriental vases, shells, and tropical fruits in his still lifes. They were brought to his order from America. From 1663, Willem Kalf was engaged in the art trade and was an excellent expert in this field.

At the age of 74, he had an accident. Returning home from a party, the artist fell and was injured. His body was very weak, and he was unable to get up after a long illness. Willem Kalf passed away on July 31, 1693, leaving behind a huge creative, artistic legacy. His creations are unsurpassed and brilliant works of art known throughout the world.