In "The Goldfinch," the narrator reflects on the significance of miniature details in still life paintings, emphasizing how the Dutch, renowned for lens-making, infused depth into their art. Their meticulous portrayal captures the essence of fleeting life, revealing that even small elements, like a fly or a blemished apple, carry profound meanings about mortality and the transience of existence. These elements serve as reminders that beauty inevitably diminishes over time.

The narrator suggests that the artist's inclusion of imperfections, such as decay among vibrant blooms, is intentional. It unveils the stark reality of life and death coexisting, known as "nature mortes." While the initial impression may be one of beauty, a closer examination discloses the hidden truth of impermanence, prompting viewers to reflect on the inevitability of decay amid life's splendor.