HEDA, WILLEM CLAESZ(OON)

born c. 1594, Haarlem?, Neth. died Aug. 24, 1680, Haarlem one of the principal Dutch Baroque still life painters. Early in his career Heda produced some figure subjects, but nearly all of his known works are still lifes, of which the earliest dated example is a "Vanitas" of 1621. His most characteristic works are restrained compositions of glass and metal vessels delicately arranged on a table with oysters, a half-peeled lemon, or other motifs that display his precise draftsmanship and his skill in imitating the varied qualities of different light-reflecting surfaces. His colour range is a subdued one of silvery grays, golden yellows, and browns, the naturalistic effects being achieved by accurate tone values.