Typical of De Heem’s sumptuous banquet still lifes, this picture is a virtuoso display of his ability to capture material texture in paint, from the mouth-watering display of fruit, crustacea and other foodstuffs to the skilfully painted reflective surfaces of pewter plates, glass roemer and silver flagon. Indeed, the image of the artist at work can be seen reflected in the shiny surfaces of the roemer and flagon. The jewel box with key also implies closer attention is needed to unlock all the picture’s secrets, thus prompting the viewer to look beyond the material display to the spiritual beyond.