This painting by Dutch painter Harmen Steenwijck depicts an allegory of 'vanities'. That is, the book represents human knowledge, the musical instruments represent the pleasure of human senses and the sword and antiquities represent wealth. The idea of a 'vanitas' painting was a popular one in the netherlands in the 16th and 17th centuries. Other artists to have used this theme include Pieter Claesz, Jan Jansz Treck and Frans Hals.
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