In order to establish the meaning of the term still life, it is a priority to begin by indicating the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape:
-Nature, first of all, derives from Latin, specifically from “natura” which, in turn, emanates from the verb “nasci”, which means “to be born”.
-Dead, secondly, also comes from Latin. In its case, it must be indicated that it comes from the noun “mor, mortis”, which can be translated as “death”.
A still life is a painting that portrays inanimate objects or lifeless animals . This type of work is also called 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 lights, colors and design.
The origins of still life date back to Antiquity , as can be seen in various murals and mosaics . Starting in the 16th century, this type of artistic work began to gain popularity, sometimes including different symbolisms.
An example of still life is “Basket with Fruits” by the Italian Caravaggio ( 1571 – 1610 ). This is an oil on canvas painting developed in 1596 that shows a wicker basket on the edge of a table or ledge, with summer fruits 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 Orsay Museum in Paris .
Other of the best examples of still life paintings in art history are the following:
-“Still life of banquet with mouse”, which is made by Abraham van Beyeren (1620 – 1690).
-“Still Life” by Clara Peeters (1580 – 1621).
-“Still life with golden cup” (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 topic.
“Still Life” , finally, is the title of albums by Fangoria and O'Connor and a film by Jia Zhangke .
In the same way, we cannot ignore that “Still Life” is the title of a novel written by author Louise Penny. It was published in 2009 and tells how a quiet community, which is celebrating Thanksgiving, will see its peace broken. It will do so when the lifeless body of one of its members is discovered, who has been found dead with an arrow stuck in it.
Everyone wants to believe that his death occurred due to an accident. However, there are suspicions that he may have been murdered and that is why the case will be entrusted to Inspector Armand Gamache, who will lead the investigation.