It is 1996; the painter is in his prime. In these years, it is hardly possible to acquire a Helmantel; the waiting times for anyone granted a work at all are at least 1.5 years. Visitor numbers for the museum sometimes burden the small town of Westeremden.

Anyone looking at the work “Still Life with Pewter Jug, Wine Glass, and Nuts on a Table” sees that, more than 25 years later, the layer of varnish still needs to be applied. It is as if the work was snatched from the painter’s hands by the new owner while barely dry. The work still needs to be photographed and documented.

The work, however, exudes nothing but tranquility. We are looking at a classic Helmantel. The pewter jug in the background provides depth. The eye is, however, immediately drawn to the beautifully executed glasswork. Not without reason, for among all the talent, Henk Helmantel demonstrates his absolute mastery in glass painting.