Still Life Paintings

Still life painting, a fascinating art form, has stood the test of time, capturing the essence of inanimate objects with unique depth and beauty. This style of art, which represents reality, features compositions of everyday objects: from still lifes of blooming flowers and appetising fruit to still lifes of musical instruments, books and even symbolic objects representing vanity. Each painting is an invitation to contemplate, a window onto the painter's skill in immortalising texture, light and the fleeting nature of life. The history of still life painting is rich, ranging from the sumptuous Flemish compositions of the 17th century to more modern interpretations by artists such as Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. Enhance your wall décor with the timeless elegance of a still life painting reproduction. Each piece, whether a classic canvas or a more contemporary poster, is the result of exceptional craftsmanship. Our artisans in Paris ensure high-quality craftsmanship for each product, carefully framing works that will add a refined and personal touch to your interior. Explore our extensive collection of still life paintings, from depictions of flowers to arrangements of fruit and objects. Choosing a still life painting from our collection means choosing art that tells a story and transforms a simple wall into a veritable art gallery.

Origins and development of still life painting

The history of still life painting has its roots in ancient times, when frescoes and mosaics already depicted still lifes of everyday objects. However, it was really during the Renaissance that this pictorial genre began to take on its own identity. Artists of this period, with their increasing mastery of perspective and oil painting techniques, explored the faithful representation of objects, often laden with religious symbolism. The 17th century marked the golden age of still life painting, particularly in Flanders and the Netherlands. Painters such as Jan Brueghel the Elder, Pieter Claesz, and Jan Davidsz de Heem excelled in the creation of sumptuous paintings. These still lifes depict with striking realism exuberant bouquets of flowers, tables laden with fruit, game, precious glassware and rare objects. In France, artists such as Jean Siméon Chardin in the 18th century brought a more intimate and poetic approach to still life, focusing on the simple beauty of everyday objects. This style of painting, championed by Chardin and Cézanne in France and by artists such as Jacob Van Es and Jan Davidz de Heem in Flanders, would go on to inspire many painters, with still life becoming a major genre in European art, each artist bringing their own personal touch to the medium.

Major artists of still life painting

Many artists have left their mark on the art of still life painting. In the 17th century, in addition to the Dutch and Flemish masters already mentioned, such as Jan Brueghel, Pieter Claesz and Jan Davidsz de Heem, we can also mention Willem Kalf, famous for his ‘pronkstilleven’ (ceremonial still lifes) in which the richness of the objects and the virtuosity of oil painting are at their peak. Each of these painters' works had a considerable influence on European art and are now treasures found in many museums.

Later, in the 19th century, artists such as Édouard Manet revisited the still life genre with a touch of modernity, as in his Still Life with Peony Stems and Pruning Knife. Vincent van Gogh, with his famous Sunflowers, also brought new expressiveness and emotion to the representation of flowers, to such an extent that his still life paintings are now among the most iconic. Paul Cézanne, meanwhile, explored structure and form through his still lifes of fruit, particularly his series of apples. His work Still Life with Apples and Oranges is a prime example of his formal quest.

Emblematic works of still life

Still life is a prolific genre that has spanned the history of art, leaving its mark on every era. Artists such as Pieter Brueghel the Elder laid the foundations in the Renaissance. The work of Jan Davidszoon de Heem, such as the oil painting on canvas Still Life with Lobster and Fruit (oil on canvas, circa 1650-1653), shows extraordinary precision. Willem Kalf, with his Still Life with Silver Pitcher, Glass and Fruit (oil on canvas, circa 1660), excels in the reproduction of textures, particularly glass, making these paintings a luxury product.

In the 18th century, Jean Siméon Chardin revolutionised the genre with his intimate still lifes. His paintings La Raie (oil on canvas, 1728) and Le Gobelet d'argent (oil on canvas, circa 1768), on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, sublimate everyday life, and the creation of these works demonstrates meticulous observation. Later, Manet revisited still life with a modern touch in works such as Asperge (oil on canvas, 1880), and Henri Fantin-Latour, also a master of the genre, saw his floral still lifes become essential, such as his famous Nature morte aux fleurs et aux fruits (oil on canvas, 1865), these works being on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Other major works on display at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, with its numerous still lifes of apples such as Apples and Oranges (oil on canvas, circa 1899), Paul Cézanne's impact is colossal, his explorations of form and colour paving the way for modern art.

Finally, Vincent van Gogh brought a new expressiveness to the genre, as in his famous Sunflowers, painted in 1888, and Still Life with Drawing Board and Onions, painted in 1889.

Symbolism and message in still life painting

Beyond their aesthetic beauty, still life paintings allowed painters of the time to communicate moral, philosophical or religious ideas in a subtle way. Flowers can symbolise fleeting beauty, while wilted flowers remind us of the transience of life. Fruit, depending on its condition (ripe, damaged), can evoke fertility, temptation or corruption. A skull, an hourglass and an unlit candle are classic elements of vanity, while an open book can symbolise knowledge and a musical instrument can represent the arts or harmony.

Understanding this symbolic language greatly enriches the appreciation of a still life painting. Each painting becomes a product of the artist's mind, and the richness of the objects depicted, from a simple glass of water to the most delicate dishes, contributes to this dialogue between the artist and the viewer. The art of still life is an art of hidden meaning.

Still life painting and its appeal in wall decoration

Incorporating a reproduction of a still life painting into your wall decoration is a choice of timeless elegance. These works, whether classic 17th-century paintings or more modern interpretations by artists such as Cézanne or Van Gogh, bring a touch of sophistication and culture to any interior. A still life with vibrant flowers can energise a living room, while a more understated composition of fruit and objects can create a studious and calming atmosphere in an office. High-quality reproductions allow you to admire these masterpieces of art history in your own home. Whether it's a canvas or a framed poster, a still life painting is an artistic product that tells a story and invites contemplation. It creates a focal point of interest, as this type of art lends itself to many decorative styles, from the most classic to the most contemporary. The available collection allows you to choose a work that resonates with your sensibility. A still life with apples by Paul Cézanne or a Flemish vanitas can coexist and enrich the same space. Still lifes are works that stand the test of time.

Choosing the ideal still life reproduction for your interior means selecting a work that not only embellishes the space but also reflects part of your personality. A painting by Jan Brueghel or Jean Siméon Chardin adds a touch of history and refinement. Artists working in the still life genre have explored so many facets of objects, flowers and fruit that there is a work for everyone. Whether you are drawn to the rich detail of a 17th-century oil painting or the expressive power of a Van Gogh, the important thing is to choose a painting or poster that speaks to you, a work that will transform your wall into a window on art and history. Manufactured in Parisian workshops, our products are guaranteed to enhance your choice. Every still life painter, from Pieter Claesz to Henri Fantin-Latour, from Willem Kalf to Manet, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and Jan Davidsz de Heem, has left a legacy that we can now incorporate into our everyday lives.