Pieter Claesz was a Dutch painter born in 1597 in Berkel en Rodenrijs, known for his still-life works. He became prominent in the 17th century, a time when still-life painting flourished in the Dutch Golden Age. His compositions often featured everyday objects like food, glassware, and musical instruments, arranged with great attention to detail and light. Claesz's paintings are celebrated for their realism and the way they capture the textures of different materials. He often used a dark background to enhance the vibrancy of the objects, creating a striking contrast. His work influenced many artists and remains significant in the study of still-life art.