Willem Dolphyn Belgian, 1935-2016
Dated 2011
Description
Arabic Treasures presents an opulent still life in which fruit, metalwork and textiles are arranged in deliberate equilibrium. At the centre, a blue-and-white charger supports a pineapple and a cascading cluster of pale grapes, flanked by citrus and cherries that punctuate the composition with small accents of red and orange. The surrounding objects - engraved silver vessels, coloured glassware, and a curved dagger with an ornate hilt - are set against layers of green and crimson fabric, creating a richly staged setting that emphasises depth and surface contrast. Dolphyn draws heavily on historical references associated with Middle Eastern luxury and trade. The pineapple, once an emblem of wealth in Europe due to its rarity and cost, sits alongside grapes long associated with abundance and hospitality across Mediterranean cultures. The metal vessels echo Islamic metalwork traditions, where intricate chasing and repoussé decoration elevated everyday objects into works of art.