Pieter Claesz (c. 1597–1 January 1660) was a Dutch Golden Age* painter of still lifes. He was born in Berchem, Belgium, near Antwerp, where he became a member of the Guild of Saint. Luke* in 1620.

He moved to Haarlem in 1620, where his son, the landscape painter Nicolaes Pieterszoon Berchem was born (October 1). He and Willem Claeszoon Heda, who also worked in Haarlem, were the most important exponents of the "ontbijt" or dinner piece. They painted with subdued, virtually monochromatic* palettes, the subtle handling of light and texture being the prime means of expression.

Claesz generally chose objects of a more homely kind than Heda, although his later work became more colourful and decorative. Claesz's still life often su...