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Does a still life have to be realistic?

1 Answer
Does a still life have to be realistic?
No, a still life doesn't have to be realistic. Still life is a genre or type of subject matter. To fit the definition, a piece simply needs to portray inanimate objects. Artists can employ any style they choose to represent the objects in their paintings. Some examples of abstract still-life paintings include Georges Braque's Violin and Candlestick, Pablo Picasso's Still Life with Chair Caning and Paul Cézanne's Fruit Bowl, Glass, and Apples. Find a large collection of still-life paintings on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
Shop for Still-life Paintings on 1stDibs
Still Life Lemons with a Basket, summer, vibrant, lemon, yellow, kitchen, dining
Located in Oslo, NO
Immerse yourself in the tranquil glow of a perfect summer day with "Still Life Lemons with a Basket." This original oil painting on canvas captures a moment of pure serenity, invitin...
Category

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil

Floral Still Life with Camellia and Daisies, Naturalistic Oil Painting
Located in Genève, GE
Signed and dated "C. Leroy 1840" in the lower right corner. A finely executed floral still life depicting an elegant arrangement of camellias and daisies in a transparent glass vase, set upon a wooden surface. The composition is carefully balanced, with lush pink camellia blossoms contrasted against the delicate white petals of daisies, creating both visual richness and botanical variety. The artist demonstrates a high level of technical skill in the rendering of textures: the velvety softness of the camellia petals, the crisp structure of the daisies, and the subtle reflections and refractions within the glass vessel. The dark, neutral background enhances the luminosity of the flowers, a compositional device rooted in traditional European still life painting. The palette is harmonious and refined, combining warm pinks and greens with deep, earthy browns. Fine craquelure across the surface attests to the painting’s age and authenticity, while contributing to its visual character. This work reflects the enduring tradition of 19th century naturalist and academic still life painting, appealing to collectors of classical floral compositions and decorative fine art. floral still life painting, camellia painting oil, daisies still life, 19th century flower painting...
Category

1840s Naturalistic Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Fauvist influence still-life art "Blooming aura"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Neo-Expressionist floral still life with Fauvist chromatic influence, expressive mixed-media painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper (50 × 65 cm / 19.7 × 25...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

'Lemoneighbors' by Marie Kash Weltzheimer; Framed Oil on Linen, 13.5" x 13.5"
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 13.5" x 13.5" x 2" oil on linen work by Oklahoma-based artist Marie Kash Weltzheimer portrays three lemons, arranged side by side. They are nestled in a striped blue and ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Materials

Linen, Varnish, Oil

Bluebell Abundance: Large Floral Painting, Contemporary, Delight, Colorful, New
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Bluebell Abundance Large Floral Painting, Contemporary, Delight, Colorful, New It captures the essence of nature's delight. Lilies in shades of pink, intertwined Bluebells a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Large 19th Century Dutch Oil Floral Still Life Roses in Terracotta Vase Garden
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large 19th Century Dutch Floral Still Life Roses in Terracotta Vase Garden Setting Oil Painting Dutch/ German artist, late 19th century indistinctly signed and dated 1896 oil on canv...
Category

19th Century Old Masters Still-life Paintings

Materials

Oil

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