Symbolist Still-life Paintings

"The Tower" - original large art by Paula Craioveanu Original, large, unique painting, oil on canvas, 31.5x23.6in / 80x60cm. Shipped stretched, from Florida. Check 1stDibs code FREESHIP This painting, a study of an elaborate spiral staircase, demonstrates the artist’s skill in merging architectural elegance with a dynamic sense of movement and mystery. The subject itself—a wrought iron spiral staircase—becomes more than a functional object; it transforms into a metaphor for transcendence, curiosity, and the infinite. The staircase is richly ornate, with swirling ironwork patterns and intricate details that capture the eye. The artist emphasizes the craftsmanship, elevating the staircase into a work of art itself. The ornamental designs echo Baroque or Rococo influences, known for their flamboyance and decorative excess. The spiral is inherently dynamic, drawing the viewer’s gaze upward in a continuous loop. This quality imbues the staircase with motion and energy, almost as if it is alive, spiraling into another dimension. The artist employs a dramatic perspective, positioning the viewer at the base of the staircase, looking upward. This composition evokes a sense of aspiration or awe, as if the staircase ascends to an unknown destination. The light filtering through the structure accentuates the curvature and creates a contrast between the solid metal of the staircase and the soft, ephemeral glow of the environment. This interplay of light and shadow enhances the mood, making the staircase seem both tangible and ethereal. The cool metallic grays and silvers of the staircase reflect its materiality, suggesting durability and permanence. At the same time, the reflective surfaces give it a shimmering, almost celestial quality. The background is suffused with warm, earthy tones—yellows, browns, and muted greens—that contrast with the cold metal of the staircase. This contrast creates a sense of tension between the man-made structure and the organic or natural environment surrounding it. Symbolism. Spiral staircases are often symbolic of a journey, both physical and spiritual. They represent the process of ascent, growth, and transformation. This staircase seems to lead into a vortex of light, suggesting a path to enlightenment or transcendence. The spiral is a recurring motif in art and nature, often representing infinity, cycles, and continuity. The staircase's design hints at a journey without end, encouraging reflection on the passage of time and the eternal nature of life. The destination of the staircase is deliberately obscured, leaving the viewer to wonder where it leads. This creates a sense of mystery, drawing the viewer into an imaginative exploration of the unknown. The swirling patterns in the ironwork mirror the overall spiral shape of the staircase, creating a sense of harmony and cohesion. These designs also add a decorative richness to the piece, tying it to the tradition of Romanticism or Gothic Revival, where even utilitarian objects were imbued with beauty and meaning. The background is loosely rendered, with soft, swirling brushstrokes that echo the spiral of the staircase. This abstraction contrasts with the detailed depiction of the staircase, making the environment feel less defined and more dreamlike. The staircase appears to float in a liminal space, further emphasizing its symbolic and otherworldly qualities. The viewer’s vantage point and the sheer scale of the staircase evoke a feeling of awe. It could symbolize humanity’s ambitions to reach higher realms—intellectually, spiritually, or artistically. The absence of people in the painting draws attention to the object itself, suggesting introspection or solitude. The staircase might represent a solitary journey, one that each individual must take alone. The intricate design and upward motion of the staircase, combined with the lack of a specific time or place, imbue the piece with a sense of timelessness. It could exist in any era, representing universal human themes. In comparison to the artist’s other works, this painting shifts focus from mythological and figurative themes to an architectural subject. Yet, it retains the artist’s characteristic use of ornamentation, bold perspectives, and symbolic depth. Like the Minotaur or Zeus paintings...

"Sunflowers and burdocks" is a still-life painting by the impressionist Alexandr Reznichenko. About the artwork: TECHNIQUE: oil painting STYLE: Impressionist, Contemporary Edition...

“The Threads of Life” is an original oil painting on linen by Andrée Bars. With poetic sensitivity, this artwork offers a powerful visual metaphor for human existence. Seated at the...

“The Call of Spring”, is an original oil painting on linen by Andrée Bars. Set in a soft forest bathed in golden ochre, misty beige, and earthy browns, this dreamlike composition c...

Fernand Blondin (1887-1967) was a Swiss painter and teacher, celebrated for his depictions of idyllic rural life, interiors, female nudes, portraits, still-lifes, religious subjects ...

Framed 21.2 X 25.5 Unframed 17 X 21 Signed and dated 1920. Nina Karasek (Joële) born 1883 Kuttenberg, Czech Lands, Austro-Hungarian Empire, died in 1952 (I have also seen the date recorded as 1933) Vienna, Austria. Nina Karasek was an Austrian Impressionist & Modern artist who was born in 1883. Her work was featured in exhibitions at the Es Baluard, Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art and the Bildraum Bodensee. Little is known of Nina Karasek's life. She was born in 1883 in Kuttenberg (Kutná Hora) in Bohemia, studied art at the Kunstschule für Frauen und Mädchen (Art School for Women and Girls) in Vienna, Austria, under Adalbert Seligmann and Tina Blau. She studied at the Frauenakademie in Vienna and Munich. In the 1920's she worked first as a landscape painter and an illustrator, later turning toward symbolism, painting mystical subjects after her interest in spiritualism. Her conventional works were shown at various exhibitions. At the age of 44, while she was copying a work by Rembrandt in an Italian museum, she fell into an altered state of consciousness. Rembrandt appeared to her, took possession of her arm, and immediately her hand started to draw something quite different from what she had intended. From then on, for the rest of her life Nina Karasek was in “supernatural” contact with a series of great masters like Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, Goya, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Gustav Klimt and others. Under their guidance and inspiration, she drew and painted works "in the style" of the masters. But very soon her works became stylistically more and more unrestricted and Symbolist, showing an enormous range of creative expression, ranging from symbolic and allegorical motifs to bewildering images with a fantastic arsenal of figures and private characters, signs, and symbols, and to frantic, gestural sketches and abstract compositions. From then on, she often signed her works with her esoteric “primordial name” Joële. (Nina Karasik-Joel) Almost everything we know about her life was from what she noted on the reverse of her drawings: sometimes diary-like notes of her horrible living conditions during World War II, but often strangely impenetrable explanations of the depicted motifs – often as fascinating and mysterious as the drawings themselves. In her works and notes, an exciting private cosmology and mythology unfolds, a drama of hidden powers and principles that flow through macrocosm as well as microcosm. Shortly after their discovery, Nina Karasek's Spiritualist, mediumistic works have found their way into galleries and major international collections. SELECT EXHIBITIONS 2019 The Medium’s Medium: Spiritualist Art Practices From the Turn of the Century and Beyond. The Gallery of Everything, London, (she showed with Madge Gill, Augustin Lesage, Fleury-Joseph Crépin...

Titled "Each Has Its Destiny," this charming symbolist oil painting on canvas by Andrée Bars offers a serene and contemplative view of nature's delicate balance. The composition features three snails navigating their way across a barbed wire fence, set against a backdrop of a lush meadow under a clear blue sky. The snails, each with distinctively colored shells – one brown, one dark, and one golden – symbolize individuality and the unique paths each creature takes in life. The barbed wire, often associated with barriers and challenges, contrasts with the gentle and slow movement of the snails, suggesting a journey filled with obstacles yet approached with patience and determination. The bamboo stalks and various wildflowers in the background add a touch of whimsy and natural beauty, emphasizing the coexistence of fragility and resilience in the natural world. The delicate rendering of the leaves and flowers, along with the meticulous depiction of the snails, showcases the artist's attention to detail and mastery of texture. The painting's soft lighting and subtle color palette evoke a sense of calm and introspection, inviting the viewer to reflect on the theme of destiny and the slow but steady progress each individual makes despite life's challenges. "Each Has Its Destiny" is a poignant reminder of perseverance and the unique journey every being undertakes, rendered with elegance and sensitivity. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

“La Pacha Mama” is an original oil painting on linen by Andrée Bars. Bathed in warm ochre, golden yellow, and soft beige tones, set against a starless blue background, this intimate...

"Sirah" is a still-life painting by the impressionist Alexandr Reznichenko. About the artwork: TECHNIQUE: oil painting STYLE: Impressionist, Contemporary Edition : Unique, signed ...

"Bordeaux" is a still-life painting by the impressionist Alexandr Reznichenko. About the artwork: TECHNIQUE: oil painting STYLE: Impressionist, Contemporary Edition : Unique, sign...

"Fear 1" Figurative Painting 15" x 15" inch by Ahmed Saber Color Pencil and Acrylic on Paper. AHMED SABER - BIO Ahmed Saber is an Egyptian artist bas...

"In Company of Pigeons" Figurative Painting 56" x 64" inch by Ahmed Saber acrylic, ink & silver leaf on wood AHMED SABER - BIO Ahmed Saber is an Egyptian artist...

"The Flower Enchantress", is an original oil painting on linen canvas by Andrée Bars. In this mysterious and elegant painting, artist Andrée Bars pays a sensitive and personal tribu...

“War and Peace” is an original oil painting on linen by Andrée Bars. In warm sandstone tones, ranging from ochre beige to dusty brown, this powerful composition stages a moment of t...

“The Creative Woman” is an original oil painting by Andrée Bars. In this delicate and poetic work, the artist captures a fleeting yet profound moment: the serene, almost sacred sta...

Titled "Merry-Go-Round," this symbolist oil painting offers a surreal blend of time, space, and childhood nostalgia. The focal point of the composition is a complex armillary sphere, traditionally used to represent the celestial globe, now transformed into a whimsical carousel. Around the armillary sphere, wooden carousel horses are depicted in mid-gallop, their colorful saddles and bridles adding a vibrant contrast to the metallic gold of the armillary rings...

Titled "Delirium of Lace," this symboliste oil painting by Andrée Bars presents a delicate still life. The composition centers around intricately arranged white lace lingerie, meticulously pinned with wooden clothespins. The translucent fabric and detailed texture of the lace are masterfully depicted, evoking a sense of lightness and fragility. The background features a soft, floral-patterned drapery that enhances the overall romantic and vintage ambiance of the scene. The artist's use of light and shadow brings depth and realism to the folds of the fabric, creating an almost tactile experience for the viewer. The white soap blocks, upon which the clothespins rest, add a grounding element to the composition, juxtaposing the ethereal quality of the lace with their solid, geometric form. The painting is a harmonious blend of everyday objects and surreal arrangement, inviting the viewer to explore the intricate details and the playful yet serene atmosphere. This work speaks to themes of femininity, domesticity, and the beauty found in the mundane, all rendered with a meticulous and delicate hand. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

Titled "Cold Case: The Disappearance of Arthur in the Stars," this intriguing oil painting presents a visual narrative reminiscent of a detective's investigation board. The compositi...

KK Kozik is an artist living and working in Sharon, CT and Brooklyn, NY. Her paintings have ben exhibited widely in the United States and abroad and have been reviewed in publications such as The New York Times, Artforum, The New Yorker and Art in America, among others. Images of her commission for the New York MTA, stained glass windows at the Rockaway Beach...

Named "Vote for me", this symbolism oil painting ia s topical one, the clothespins symbolizing Humans gathered around a winner. The amusing thing about this composition is that the objects represented are used for laundry. Would an election be a great cleaning? Andrée Bars...

Fernand Blondin (1887-1967) was a Swiss painter and teacher, celebrated for his depictions of idyllic rural life, interiors, female nudes, portraits, still-lifes, religious subjects ...

This captivating painting by Minas Halaj portrays a couple, a man and a woman, with their heads beautifully adorned with a vibrant arrangement of colorful flowers. The oil on panel c...

Titled "Narcissus" and by Andrée Bars, this oil on linen canvas painting captivates with its introspective tranquility and intricate detail. The artwork features a young person draped in a richly textured golden coat with deep red accents, lying beside a reflective surface on a wooden floor. The thoughtful pose and downward gaze suggest a moment of deep reflection, reminiscent of the mythological Narcissus who was mesmerized by his own reflection. The background is adorned with a sheer, flowing curtain that adds a layer of softness to the composition, contrasting with the solid and tactile textures of the wooden floor. A lone white flower placed near a strategically positioned pocket watch further enriches the scene, introducing themes of beauty, fragility, and the relentless march of time. The use of muted, earthy tones alongside dramatic lighting not only highlights the figure and elements within the painting but also evokes a mood of contemplation and solitude. This painting, through its symbolic elements and masterful execution, invites viewers to ponder themes of self-reflection, identity, and the ephemeral nature of time. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

Titled "The kindly ones" and by Andrée Bars, this oil painting on canvas captures a striking combination of realism and fantasy, depicting three female faces gracefully positioned against a serene background. Each face is distinct, offering a different perspective and expression, perhaps symbolizing various facets of human emotion or thought. Behind them, a beautifully detailed world map stretches across a globe, emphasizing themes of global connection and exploration. The atmosphere is further enriched by the ethereal presence of white doves, which are universally recognized symbols of peace. These elements coalesce into a surreal yet harmonious composition that invites viewers to ponder the deeper connections between humanity and the world at large. The overall effect is both captivating and thought-provoking, showcasing the artist's skill in blending the real with the symbolic to evoke introspection and wonder. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

Titled 'Oysters and Lemons', this symbolic oil painting employs a palette of golden tones. It features a weathered white enamel carafe, a wicker basket filled with yellow lemons—one lemon has its peel curling, symbolizing the passage of time—and oysters ready to be eaten, all set upon a semi-transparent fabric. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs...

Titled "The magic flute of Beauzart" and by Andrée Bars, this oil painting presents a mesmerizing fusion of music and nature, portrayed through the elegant composition of a clarinet entwined with a cascade of vibrant pink foxglove flowers. The instrument rests against a backdrop of crumpled golden drapery, adding a luxurious texture to the scene. Peeking from behind, a piece of sheet music, specifically Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte" (The Magic Flute), hints at a classical musical theme. The clarinet, meticulously detailed, serves as the central axis for the foxgloves, which climb along its length, blending the organic with the man-made. This artistic choice may symbolize the harmony between music and the natural world, suggesting a lyrical and almost mystical interplay. The overall effect is one of surreal beauty, inviting the viewer to appreciate both the technical skill involved and the poetic, almost dream-like quality of the arrangement. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

Named « We lost the North », this symbolist oil painting on canvas represents a great fracture symbolized by a crack in the wood in its middle. Fracture between the world of the finance and the nature. The trap is to always quantify with money and not to take into account the insects and the plants, our planet. Hence the compass on the side of nature, because according to the French expression, "we have lost the North", which means that we do not know where we are going. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

In the painter's eyes, painting is an anthem of elegance and of beauty, as music. This artwork is a symbolist oil painting by Andrée Bars. Andrée Bars is a French painter. Having been strictly trained for 4 years by the American hyper-realist painter Mr. Ted Seth Jacobs, who himself inherited 19th century masters’ skills from his own professor, Andrée Bars learned the profession of painting in its purest tradition. She still applies these ancient masters...

Named "The lion cries", this hyper-realist oil painting on lin canvas by Andrée Bars invokes our planet situation, with the symbols of the lion and humming...

"Chronos" figuratif oil paint on linen panel 100x65cm 2006 Chronos' metaphor has always impressed Emmanuelle Vroelant with his violence and sends her...

"Woman & Rabbit" Figurative Charcoal Painting 20" x 20" inch by Ahmed Saber AHMED SABER - BIO Ahmed Saber is an Egyptian artist based in Luxor in Upp...

"Hymn of Osiris II" (FRAMED) Painting on Papyrus 22"" x 16" inch by Ahmed Saber ink on papyrus AHMED SABER - BIO Ahmed Saber is an Egyptian artist base...

"Still Life with Yarn" (FRAMED) Painting 16" x 16" inch by Ahmed Saber ink on paper AHMED SABER - BIO Ahmed Saber is an Egyptian artist based in Luxo...

"Asceticism" Figurative Painting 16" x 30" inch by Ahmed Saber Color Pencil and Acrylic on Paper. AHMED SABER - BIO Ahmed Saber is an Egyptian artist based in Luxor in Upper Egypt,...

abstract "Landfill" acrylic linen canvas 73x60cm colourfull tsunami in this painting, Emmanuelle Vroelant worked on the idea of all that we bury, deep inside ourselves or that Nature...

Most likely for a Magazine like Redbook, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal or Woman's day Lorraine Fox is Hall of Fame member of the Society of Illustrators She...