Which Dutch Baroque painter is famous for his sumptuous still lifes of fruit and flowers?

Which Dutch Baroque painter is famous for his sumptuous still lifes of fruit and flowers? Jan Davidsz de Heem is the canonical answer.

Born in Utrecht in 1606, De Heem became one of the leading still-life painters of Dutch and Flemish Baroque art. His compositions combine fruit, flowers, glass, silver, shells, insects, and luxurious vessels with exceptionally careful observation of texture and light.

He is especially associated with pronkstillevens, or “sumptuous still lifes.” These lavish arrangements often suggest abundance and worldly wealth, while vanitas symbols such as skulls, fading flowers, or extinguished candles can remind viewers that beauty and possessions are temporary.

De Heem worked in both the Dutch Republic and Antwerp, absorbing the restrained tonal style of Dutch breakfast pieces and the richer color and abundance associated with Flemish painting. Rachel Ruysch was also celebrated for flowers, while Pieter Claesz and Willem Claesz Heda were known for more restrained still lifes; none is the best match for this wording.