Still Life Paintings
BUY A STILL LIFE PAINTING FROM CARRÉ D'ARTISTES
Are you thinking about purchasing a still life painting?
At Carré d’artistes, we offer still life artwork that reimagines traditional forms, colors, and compositions with a contemporary flair. Popular from the 17th through the 20th century, painting still life involves carefully arranged inanimate objects, with the artist’s attention on light, shadow, and subject to create a compelling narrative.
More than just objects, still life art pieces bring compositions to life, resonating with personal meaning and complementing the decor of your home.
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Discover our collection of contemporary still life paintings in a variety of styles and mediums, including:
- Abstract still life painting
- Figurative still life painting
- Surreal still life paintings
- Still life oil paintings and watercolors
No matter your preferred theme, style, or technique, our selection has something for you! Each piece is unique and certified, ensuring a one-of-a-kind addition to your collection.
Why buy a still life painting?
Let yourself be drawn to the charm of musical instruments, mirrors, fruits, and flowers captured in still life modern paintings. These works make an excellent gift or an elegant addition to your own home.
Still life art evokes emotion through simplicity, transporting viewers into a timeless world. Whether you're searching for still life paintings for your kitchen or another space, you’re sure to find the perfect piece that fits your needs.
What are still life paintings?
Still life paintings depict inanimate objects from nature or human creation, such as fruits, flowers, or symbolic items like mirrors and instruments.
The history of still life art
The term "still life" originated in France in the 18th century, replacing earlier terms like cose naturali (natural things).
In the 17th century, still life artwork flourished, especially in Holland and Flanders. Dutch artists often created small, intimate works with minimal objects, while Flemish painters favored large, detailed compositions brimming with symbolic elements.
Still life also gained popularity in France and Spain, where painters developed their own distinctive styles. Although often considered a "minor" genre compared to portraits or historical paintings, still life pushed artists to carefully study objects and their environments, making it one of the most complex themes in art history.
Symbolism in still life paintings
Still life art pieces often carry hidden meanings:
Crabs and lobsters symbolize resurrection or instability due to their shedding shells and backward gait.
Fruits, vegetables, and game caution against indulgence.
A spiraled lemon peel represents life’s journey, with the individual seeking spiritual essence.
Grapes signify the Passion of Christ and the association of wine with his blood.
Roses and overturned cups symbolize fleeting youth.
Hourglasses and half-filled glasses reflect the passing of time.
What defines a great contemporary still life painting?
The arrangement of objects, their interactions, and the mood they create are the defining elements of a powerful still life modern painting. Often connected to themes of food or table settings, still life also explores everyday items like flower pots or instruments.
These paintings, such as Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, convey a sense of intimacy and stillness through their depictions of immobile objects. The possibilities for composition are endless, allowing for innovation and personal expression.
Famous still life paintings
- Caravaggio was among the first to focus on still life in works like Basket of Fruit (1599).
- In the 18th century, Jean Siméon Chardin became renowned for pieces like The Ray (1728).
- The 19th century saw limited innovation in the genre until Paul Cézanne revitalized it with his bold colors and fresh perspective, as seen in Still Life with Apples and Oranges.
- The 20th century brought further reinvention by artists like Picasso and Dalí, who pushed the boundaries of still life art.
At Carré d’artistes, discover contemporary still life paintings by Pascal Lionnet, Laurent Bergues, and others who reinterpret this classic genre, imbuing it with new symbolism and aesthetic power.
Whether you’re looking for a timeless piece for your home or a thoughtful gift, explore our collection of still life paintings and find the one that resonates with you.
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