A small selection showing how still life painting was an essential part of his art, even more fascinating and enigmatic than his landscapes.
still life
Still life paintings by Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley and Pierre-August Renoir show how Impressionism retained some traditional techniques.
More fascinating paintings of the studios of William Merritt Chase, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Jacek Malczewski, Claude Monet and others.
These became popular during the 18th century, revealing models and those painting them, assistants, and many others. They also became complex allegories.
The exquisite and lucrative floral still lifes of Fantin-Latour, and those painted by artists on the periphery of Impressionism. Plus a surprise from Monet.
Seashells appear in Turner’s myths, Dyce’s fresco for Queen Victoria, twice in Elihu Vedder’s work, and in Odilon Redon’s. And a story from Rubens about seashells and colour.
Huge clam shells were a common feature in paintings of the birth of Venus, and other classical myths. They also feature in many ‘vanitas’ paintings.
With the Rococo in full swing, still life painting was left in the hands of the popular eccentric Chardin, and the brilliant Anne Vallayer-Coster.
It flourished and brought commercial success to many artists, and laid the foundations for sub-genres. Still lifes were among the most innovative and exciting paintings of the day.
Between about 1607-21 she painted exclusively still lifes. Highly innovative, she led the way for the many painters who succeeded her.
