what is still life?
Still life is a way of taking pictures or painting of objects by arranging them in intricate designs which often are used to remind the viewer of how volatile life can be but also the beauty and complexity behind living. They are commonly seen depicting fruit, flowers, vases and skulls.
My attention was first brought the the frilly collar in this one then the skull and then finally the books. With the way the light is so intense on one side of the skull and so weak on the other it is most likely artificial lighting. The texture on the spine of the books appears very smooth and the fabric that the objects are stacked on.
Compared to other still life’s that include things such as skulls and books this one is rather simplistic and I think that’s what drew me to it the most and made it stand out.
Kevin best managed to create dark gothic still life’s with light foreground objects. These often depict books, skulls, fruit, instruments and a glass by reinventing the paintings from the “golden age”.
Timeline of Still Life
The term Still life comes from the Dutch word ‘Stilleven‘ and gained popularity in the 16th century, however, there have been paintings of paintings fond in Egyptian tombs such as the tomb of Menna. dating back to the 15th century the ancient Greeks and romans created similar art with one of the most famous examples being a first century wall in Pompei.
During the Middle Ages still took on a religious theme, incorporating arrangements into biblical scenes. They also decorated manuscripts with coin shells and shells.
the renaissance saw an increase in popularity in still lifes of flowers. This mainly occurred in the 17th century when northern Renaissance artists became interested with creating studies of everyday.
During the Dutch golden age artist took flower paintings to the next level with the development of vanitas, which showed the mortality of life.
Still popular in the modern art movement with Pierre-Auguste Renoir dabbling with the genre, but it really made an impression in the post-impressionist period. Vincent van Gogh painting flowers vases and Cezanne painting a famous series involving water jugs, apples and wine bottles on top of askew tables.
With the invention of the camera and society developing at a rapid pace, new themes started to appear among the genre: modern food such as a fast food and intricate perfume bottles. The still lifes created with a camera are hyper realistic compared to the other periods- however, they display a restricted spectrum of emotions. But with the use of new technologies, photographers are able to create more detailed designs.
What is a Vanitas?
A Vanitas is a work of art that uses symbols such as skulls and fruit to show the shortness of life and the futility of pleasers, they are designed to remined the viewer of their own mortality.
What is Memento Mori?
The phrase ‘memento mori’ is Latin for ‘remember that you must die’. these portraits often include things such as skulls and hourglasses to remind the viewer that time doesn’t stop for any one and that we all eventually run out.
Metaphors and symbols used in still life?
Skull: The certainty of morality.
Flower: Life and growth.
Candle: Passing of time.
Mirrors: The Soul in reflection.
Musical instruments: Beauty and Transience.
Seashell: Birth, Purity and Fertility.