Floris Gerritsz. van Schooten Paintings

Floris Gerritsz. van Schooten was a Dutch Golden Age painter who specialized in still lifes, particularly those featuring food. Born around 1585 in Haarlem, Netherlands, he was thought to have been a student of the prominent still-life painter, Pieter Claesz. Van Schooten's work is noted for its exquisite detail and the ability to capture the textures of various materials, including metal, glass, and textiles, as well as the naturalistic representation of food items.

Van Schooten's paintings often depicted tables set with a variety of foods, such as cheese, bread, and fruit, which were popular subjects during the Dutch Golden Age. These still lifes not only demonstrated the artist's skill but also served as a reflection of the wealth and abundance of the Dutch mercantile class during the 17th century.

Not much is known about van Schooten's life, as records are scarce. He became a member of the Haarlem Guild of St. Luke in 1612, which suggests that by that time, he was recognized as a master painter. His works were primarily collected by local patrons, and he influenced other artists in the Haarlem school of painting, contributing to the development of the still-life genre in the Netherlands.

The exact date of van Schooten's death is not known, but his last known work dates to 1655, after which there are no further records of his activities. Despite the lack of extensive documentation, Floris Gerritsz. van Schooten remains an important figure in the history of Dutch still-life painting, with his works continuing to be appreciated for their clarity and attention to detail.