In order to establish the meaning of the term still life, it is essential to begin by indicating the etymological origin of the two words that give it its form:
-Nature, first of all, derives from Latin, specifically from “natura” which, in turn, emanates from the verb “nasci”, which means “to be born”.
-Muerta, secondly, also comes from Latin. In this case, it should be noted that it comes from the noun “mor, mortis”, which can be translated as “death”.
A still life is a painting that depicts inanimate objects or lifeless animals . This type of work is also called a still life .
Still life, therefore, presents fruits , vases, cups, rocks, fish or other elements in a certain space. Typically, these pictorial compositions convey harmony and relaxation through their play of light, colors and design.
The origins of still life date back to antiquity , as can be seen in various murals and mosaics . From the 16th century onwards, this type of artistic work began to gain popularity, sometimes including different symbolisms.
An example of a still life is “Basket with Fruit” by the Italian Caravaggio ( 1571 – 1610 ). It is an oil on canvas developed in 1596 that shows a wicker basket on the edge of a table or a ledge, with fruits of the summer season inside. This still life is part of the collection of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana , in the city of Milan .
“Still Life with Onions” by the Frenchman Paul Cézanne ( 1839 – 1906 ) is another still life work. It was created between 1895 and 1898 and is located in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris .
Other of the best examples of still life paintings in the history of art are the following:
-“Still life with a mouse at a banquet”, which was made by Abraham van Beyeren (1620 – 1690).
-“Still Life” by Clara Peeters (1580 – 1621).
-“Still Life with a Golden Goblet” (1635), which is an oil on panel by Willem Claesz Heda (1594 – 1680).
It is important to note that still life can also be found in other artistic manifestations that go beyond painting . Photography and digital art have ventured into this theme.
“Naturaleza muerta” is the title of albums by Fangoria and O'Connor and of a film by Jia Zhangke .
Likewise, we cannot overlook the fact that “Still Life” is the title of a novel written by the author Louise Penny. It was published in 2009 and tells the story of a quiet community celebrating Thanksgiving, whose peace will be shattered when the lifeless body of one of its members is discovered, having been found dead with an arrow stuck in it.
Everyone wants to believe that his death was caused by an accident. However, there are suspicions that he may have been murdered and so the case will be entrusted to Inspector Armand Gamache, who will lead the investigation.