As I prepare for my foundational drawing class, I am brushing up on my history of still lifes, and spending a lot of time of Google image search for inspiration….

The definition of still life is as follows: A still life is a work of art depicting mostly inanimate subject matter, typically commonplace objects which may be either natural (like food, flowers, plants, rocks, or shells) or man-made (like glasses, books, vases, jewelry, coins, pipes, and so on). The primary focus in still life art is on color, composition, and light and shadow, rather than narrative content or human figures.

The history of still life art is a fascinating exploration of human creativity and the portrayal of inanimate subjects. From its humble beginnings to its prominent place in contemporary art, still life has undergone significant transformations, each reflective of the cultural and artistic trends of its time.

The Origins and the Renaissance Era

Although the concept of depicting inanimate objects dates back to ancient times, as seen in Egyptian tomb paintings, the still life as a distinct genre emerged during the Renaissance in Europe. In the late 16th century, particularly in the Netherlands and Italy, artists began to focus on everyday objects in their work. This was a marked shift from the dominant themes of religion and mythology.

One of the earliest examples of a still life painting is Caravaggio's "Basket of Fruit" (c. 1599), displaying a remarkable realism and attention to detail. The Dutch Golden Age saw a flourishing of still life painting, with artists like Pieter Claesz and Willem Kalf mastering the art of depicting light and texture in their detailed studies of objects ranging from kitchenware to luxurious items.

Symbolism and Allegory

In the 17th century, still life paintings were not just aesthetic depictions but also carried moral or religious messages. The 'Vanitas' paintings of this period, filled with symbolism, served as reminders of the transience of life and the futility of earthly pleasures. Objects like skulls, wilting flowers, and extinguished candles were common, symbolizing death and the passage of time.

The 18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed an evolution in still life painting, with artists in France, Spain, and Italy bringing their unique perspectives to the genre. In the Rococo period, Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin's works displayed a quieter, more reflective style, focusing on domestic items. By the 19th century, with the advent of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, artists like Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh started experimenting with color, composition, and brushwork, using still lifes to explore these elements.

*A Basket of Wild Strawberries* (ca, 1760), oil on canvas, 38 x 46 cm., private collection

Cézanne, in particular, is credited with laying the groundwork for the transition from 19th-century conceptions of artistic endeavor to a new and radically different world of art in the 20th century. His explorations of geometric simplification and optical phenomena inspired the Cubists and subsequent abstract movements.

The 20th Century and Beyond

In the 20th century, still life painting was transformed by the avant-garde movements. Cubism, represented by artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, deconstructed the traditional perspective, rearranging it in abstract forms. Surrealists, on the other hand, like Salvador Dalí, infused still life with dreamlike and fantastical elements.

With the advent of photography, the still life found a new medium. Photographers like Edward Weston and Irving Penn used their cameras to explore similar themes as their painterly predecessors but with the unique capabilities of their medium, such as play with depth of field and exposure.

Contemporary Perspectives

Today, still life continues to be a relevant and evolving form of artistic expression. Contemporary artists use it to explore modern themes, including consumerism, environmentalism, and the mundane aspects of everyday life. Digital art and mixed media have also opened new avenues for this timeless genre.

In conclusion, the history of still life art is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. From its role in understanding light and form to its use in conveying deeper symbolic messages, still life painting has been a key player in the art world's evolution, continuously challenging and delighting viewers with its quiet yet profound commentary on the objects that fill our world.

This contemporary 16”x24” still life, **Stilllife Vanitas with bird skulls** by artist, **Jennie Smallenbroek**, is being sold for $3,165 on singulart.com!

READ: How Contemporary Artists are Making Still Life Art Cool Again