1. Baroque Still-Life
Painting
Professor Will Adams
Valencia College
Fall 2011
2. BACKGROUND BAROQUE
Baroque works were produced during the 17th and
18th centuries.
The term Baroque comes from the Portuguese word
“barocca”, which means “an irregular pearl”.
The first Baroque works appeared in Italy and the
style spread north into Europe.
Baroque still-life was hugely popular in the
Netherlands and Flemish society.
Still-life had symbolic meanings that people at the time
understood, which usually taught moral lessons.
3. Characteristics of Baroque Painting
Chiaroscuro
Painting from life
Extreme detail
Dynamic
arrangement and
lighting
Rich colors
4. Famous Early Italian Baroque Paintings
Caravaggio’s “The Conversion of Artemisia Gentellischi’s “Judith
Saul”, c. 1600 Beheading Holofernes”, 1614-1620
5. Hunting
Dead animals from a hunt
were a popular subject.
They are a great way to show
off technique
Be sure to look for:
– Textures like feathers, tassels,
velvet, etc.
– Strong composition
– Realism
– Details (Find the fly!)
– Lighting effects (chiaroscuro)
9. FRUIT
Traditional, this is
what we usually think
of when we hear
“still-life”.
Originally fruit was
symbolic of the good,
sweet things in life,
abundance, sexuality,
or even sin.
10. Examples of Fruit Still-Life
Caravaggio’s “Still-Life with Fruit”, Willem van Aelst’s “Still-Life with
1601-1605 Fruit & Crystal Vase”, 1652
11. LIGHTING
Look at the way the light affects how
we see the different forms
–How does light affect the textures,
reflections?
–How does light and shadow affect
the mood?
12. Jan Davidsz de Heem’s “Still-Life with Fruit and
Lobster”, 1648
13. NOTICE THE COMPOSITION
Composition: The arrangement of elements
and objects around the picture plane.
Your eye travels from one point to another
around the picture in a clockwise path.
Good composition keeps your eye moving on
an harmonious path.
The triangle is a traditionally strong
compositional path.
17. FIND THE BUG!
Insects were often added to a table setting
within the still-life’s composition.
They symbolized the decadence of the “good
life”
They also warned the viewer of the temptations
of too much sweetness
“Too much of a good thing”
18.
19.
20.
21. THE FIVE SENSES
As still-life became more popular and began to evolve,
its symbolism became more profound
Objects symbolizing the five human senses were
arranged on a table:
– Sight
– Sound
– Smell
– Touch
– Taste
Objects were chosen to symbolize pleasure!
27. Ways to control eye movement
Folds of cloth
Positioning of objects, bodies
Repetition of colors
Emphasis from either highlights or shadows.
Height of objects
Details, textures, or negative space
Eyes/gazes
28.
29. VANITAS
This type of still life was meant to remind the viewer of
the fleeting quality of life.
Life is wonderful, but goes by very quickly!
What do you think each object symbolizes?
VANITAS is about the swift approach of DEATH!
30.
31. Hendrick Andriezsoon’s “Still-life composition with human skull, globe, books,
crown, miter, bubbles, mussel shell with bubble pipe, holly crown on skull,
watch on table, candlestick (with reflection of artist’s portrait)”, 1650
33. Vanitas homework
Plan and create (either by drawing, Be sure to include the same
collaging, painting, or compositional elements that
photographing) a vanitas, either for
yourself, someone you know, or
the Dutch Masters did:
someone famous. – Game
– Lighting
Your still-life should be based on
your own life and community, and – Compositional paths
should measure no smaller than 8” – Insects
x 10”. – Vanitas elements
On the back of your vanitas, list Your still-life will be due at
and explain the objects/elements the beginning of class on
you included, and what they Tuesday, November 15th.
symbolize/represent.
