Last Sunday, Sally and I visited  the Peabody Essex Museum to take in their exhibit of Dutch and Flemish Masterworks from the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection. It features masterworks by the leading Dutch and Flemish artists of the 1600s: Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Aelbert Cuyp and many others. It’s breadth and depth is stunning!  There is something etherial about Dutch light that has been captured in these works.

View of the Westerwerk

Barber Surgeon Tending a Peasants Foot

Sleeping Dog

Peeled Lemon and Glass of Wine

Still Life with Roses

I had another motive. I had recently received via email, still life images done by an English photographer, Alexander James, and I wanted to see how they compared to the paintings in the exhibit. James describes his still lifes as a series of images which “depicts the work of the 17th century Dutch masters, and were all shot underwater. Produced with period props, food and real insects, these carefully staged scenes are all captured ‘in-camera’ without the use of post production, either traditional or digital. Working with the subtle distortions of light & movement from the waters own wave energy, adding a painterly quality to the photographs.”

Dark Beets Still Life

Pear Still LIfe

Floral Still Life

I’m still not sure what to think. His work is beautiful and breathtaking, particularly the floral arrangements. His quality of light and shadow takes my breath away - the detail staggering! I do find myself wanting to see a little more background – but that’s nothing more than a quibble.

In the end though, I think I like the originals more. There’s a softness and emotional quality to them I am drawn to. On the other hand, given James’ talent, I suspect he will find a way to bring those qualities into his future work.

Cheers,

John