Still life

Still life, as a particular genre, began with Netherlandish painting of the 16th and 17th centuries, and the English term still life derives from the Dutch word still even. Early still-life paintings, particularly before 1700, often contained religious and allegorical symbolism relating to the objects depicted.

Still life has captured the imagination of photographers from the early 19th century to the present day. It is a tradition full of lavish, exotic and sometimes dark arrangements, rich with symbolic depth and meaning. One of the main preoccupations among those living in the 16th and 17th centuries was the brevity of life and its fragility. Still life paintings of this period are more commonly referred to as ‘vanitas’.

History

Still life has captured the imagination of photographers from the early 19th century to the present day. It is a tradition full of lavish, the first still life work was by the Italian painter Jacopo de’Barbari painted in 1504.

Still life, as a particular genre, began with Netherlandish painting of the 16th and 17th centuries, and the English term still life derives from the Dutch word still even. Early still-life paintings, particularly before 1700, often contained religious and allegorical symbolism relating to the objects depicted. In the early days of photography long exposures were required to take a picture. Still life made an ideal subject because the inanimate objects did not move during the process. 

Analysis

The vocal point for this image is the skull leaning on the piano notes, the image then leads towards the left leading your eyes around the painting analysing the small aspects and details. You can depict this painting with the historical background, the 15th century being a very controversial century with many historical artefacts.

Still life is viewed as a historic art form in the world of contemporary painting, has been kept very much alive in historic and contemporary.