Arrangements like the present, classified as ontbijtes , or ‘breakfast still-lifes’, were both displays of gastronomic luxury and symbols of religious ideas.These works were intended for quiet contemplation and often carried subtle messages to the contemporary viewer. In the present work, deliberate allusions to moderation are made in the sparsity of the composition, as well as in the half-filled roemer and the modest sized slice cut from the pie. The platter perilously teetering at the edge of the table alludes to the transitory nature of life and the passage of time, while the peaches and bread roll lend a strong colour accent and textural variation.

The present composition is a slightly larger version of one attributed to Pieter Claesz., sold by Lepke, Berlin, 24 April 1909, lot 73, with a second version after Claesz. also sold at Christie's, New York, 11 January 1995, lot 18. We are grateful to Dr. Fred G. Meijer for proposing the attribution on the basis of photographs.