Still life is one of the most enduring and quietly powerful genres in the art world. Whether it’s a simple bowl of fruit or a carefully arranged set of objects, still life art captures the beauty in stillness, offering a contemplative pause to reflect on the things we often overlook in our daily lives.

It may come as a surprise to some, but it’s an unspoken rule here at Art Again to pay close attention to an artist’s still life works. We find that by examining an artist’s depiction of inanimate objects, we are able to gain insight into their personality, sensibilities, and the subtle details of their daily, supposedly mundane, everyday life—the same everyday we often take for granted, meticulously captured in exquisite detail.

In this article we explore the genre, its history, quality and role as a narrative medium, and why we should appreciate it even more in today’s modern world.

What is still life?

Still life is the art of arranging and capturing inanimate objects—items that we often encounter in everyday life—such as fruit, flowers, utensils, or furniture, in the form of a photograph, painting, sketch etc. What makes still life unique is its focus on objects that are “still”. These objects can range from simple to complex, manmade or natural.

In practical terms, still life serves as a vital training tool for artists, providing a controlled environment where they can hone essential technical skills. It helps artists master key principles such as lighting, proportions, composition, perspective, and texture—skills crucial for progressing to more complex forms of painting. As one of the first genres taught to beginners, still life allows for focused practice without the distractions or challenges posed by moving models or changing landscapes. This genre provides artists with the opportunity to refine their observational skills, learn to replicate reality with precision, and experiment freely with techniques and colour without the pressure of creating a larger, more intricate piece.

The History of Still Life

Understandably, still life was never really well regarded. Historically, the genre has been viewed as the lowest form of painting, often seen as a mere exercise or decorative object rather than a significant artistic pursuit.

Used as an early or preliminary step to mastering more complex genres like historical or figure painting, this perception stemmed from the genre's limitations, as still life focuses on inanimate objects and lacks the grandiosity and narrative depth of other forms—it was often seen as less capable of conveying profound metaphysical values or complex emotional depth, leading to its placement at the bottom of the artistic hierarchy.

While most people (rightly) associate still life with paintings of fruit bowls or vases of flowers, the genre has a rich and expansive history that spans cultures and centuries.

In the West, still life is often associated with the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, where artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer created masterful works filled with intricate details. Known as “stilleven” in Dutch, this period marked the height of still life painting in the Netherlands, but the genre dates back even further.

Now the history of still life art goes waay back. It’s not meaningful to walk you through the entirety of the genre’s history for our purposes, so here’re some cool examples/factoids instead:

The True Quality and Value of Still Life

Historically, still life has often been viewed as a humble genre compared to others, but its value lies precisely in its ability to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Symbolism in Still Life

Still life artists often imbue their works with symbolism. An arrangement of fruit, a wilting flower, or a skull—all can carry rich, layered meanings. In many cases, objects represent the passage of time, the fragility of life, or even the fleeting nature of wealth and abundance.

For example, in 17th-century Dutch paintings, a skull might symbolise mortality (memento mori), while a bowl of ripe fruit might suggest the impermanence of life’s pleasures. These symbols connect the viewer to deeper, often philosophical themes, elevating the genre from simple depictions of everyday life to a form of quiet storytelling.

A key figure in Singapore’s art history, Georgette Chen is renowned for her still life paintings. Active in the mid-20th century, her works blend Western techniques with Singaporean themes, highlighting local culture and celebrating the tropical abundance of the archipelago. She featured everyday objects like rattan weaving, traditional Chinese pastries, and regional produce such as fruits and flowers. Her still life compositions are celebrated for their meticulous arrangement, rich colour, and texture, leaving a lasting impact on Southeast Asian art.

Relevance of Still Life in Today’s World

Still life is very much relevant today, not as a traditional art form but as a medium for contemporary exploration. Artists today are reimagining still life, using everyday objects to examine themes like consumerism, identity, and the passage of time.

By merging classical techniques with modern concerns, these artists offer fresh interpretations that resonate with today’s societal issues. Still life continues to mirror the world around us, capturing the ever-changing human experience.

Today, still life offers a necessary pause, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the often-overlooked details of our surroundings. Whether it’s the texture of fruit, the play of light, or the subtlety of shadow, still life prompts reflection and draws our attention to the beauty in the simplest objects. In a world that moves at an ever-increasing pace, the genre itself stands as a counterpoint—its very existence challenges the impatience and distraction that dominate our daily lives.

By focusing on the small, quiet moments, still life as a genre encourages us to reconsider the value in what we often miss. Perhaps it is for this very reason that we (at Art Again) are so moved to carefully regard this particular genre of art in an artist’s body of work—because what exactly is it about themselves that they want us to notice?

-

Here’s a compilation of still life artworks currently available on our marketplace, you’ll notice a wide range of styles, see what you can tell about the artists:

To get started with buying art, read our buyer’s guide.

To sell with us, read our seller’s guide.

Alternatively you may write to us at sales@artagain.co — art should feel personal and accessible, we’re here to make that happen.

Written by Milon
© Art Again 2024