Closer Look: Still Life
What is still life? We are familiar with the objects portrayed but have difficulty explaining the essence of this popular art form. Erika Langmuir examines the special fascination of still life, and what distinguishes it from other categories of painting. She discusses its evolution from the trompe l’oeil wall paintings of antiquity, through its revival in the age of Caravaggio and Velázquez, and again in the works of Cézanne and Picasso. Originally published as Pocket Guide Still Life, this eloquent survey benefits from a wider format, new reproductions, and updated references.
Published by National Gallery Company/Distributed by Yale University Press
Erika Langmuir, OBE, was Head of Education at the National Gallery (1988–1995), and held the Chair of Art History at the Open University. Other books include The National Gallery Companion Guide.