This Still life with silverware… is exceptional in the context of Barrera’s known work, because of the presence of an extraordinary set of secular and civilian precious metalwork, whose colouring suggests it is mostly made of silver.

The composition is arranged by a diagonal line crossing from the top left angle to the opposite bottom left angle, and is the result of the use of boxes or cubic steps that provide a raised exhibition of some objects, while others lie on a thick stone slab with a rough edge that serves as a table. They are laid out on the dark background of the indefinite space, lit from the left by a raking light that highlights round shapes, the metallic shine of metal and the texture of food items. The composition undoubtedly has a clear aristocratic character due to the abundant, varied silver set: an undulating ewer with raised spout and handle beside its washbowl; a pocket watch; a cruet set with a lobed tray shaped like the ewer; a Spanish jug with its spout placed in a forced oblique perspective joining the handle and the spout; and a spoon and a hot chocolate tray with several small bluish porcelain cups, which recall Dutch Delftware.

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