Still life art

Still life — is an artwork that depicts inanimate subject-matter.

Starting point of the early still life art can be found in XV-XVI centuries when it was considered as a part of historical or genre composition. For a long time still life remained connected to the religious painting, framing figures of Jesus and saints with flower garlands. Still lifes' native land is undoubtfully the Netherlands, where major types of still life emerged and developed:

1. floral still life

2. tonal still life

3. scientific still life

4. illusive still life

5. luxurious still life

As in almost every type of pictorial art, implementation technique of still life directly depends on the paints and personal preferences of the painter.

Examples:

Floral still life. Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Tulips, Roses, a Pink and White Carnation, Forgets-Me-Nots, Lilly of the Valley and other Flowers in a Vase. oil on copper 1619.

Tonal still life. Willem Claeszoon Heda, Still Life with Pie, Silver Ewer and Crab (1648)

Scientific still life. Peter van Stenweik.

Illusive still life. Samuel Dirksz van Hoogstraten. Blende, mid XVII century.

Luxurious still life. Jan Davidszoon de Heem, Still Life with Fruit, Flowers, Glasses and Lobster second quarter of XVII century.