He moved to Haarlem in 1620, where his son, the landscape painter Nicolaes Pieterszoon Berchem was born (October 1).

[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 hospitable kind than Heda, although his later work became more colourful and decorative.

Claesz's still lifes often suggest allegorical purpose, with skulls serving as reminders of human mortality.