Baroque Still Life Painting Game Birds, Table Setting, Five Senses, Vanitas

BAROQUE 17 th and 18 th Centuries, 17 th and 18 th Centuries, Started in Italy and went around Europe Started in Italy and went around Europe Baroque Still Life was hugely popular in the Netherlands and Flemish society. Baroque Still Life was hugely popular in the Netherlands and Flemish society. Still Life had symbolic meanings that people at the time understood, usually moral lessons. Still Life had symbolic meanings that people at the time understood, usually moral lessons.

Characteristics of Baroque Ptg Chiaroscuro Chiaroscuro Painting from Life Painting from Life Extreme detail Extreme detail Dramatic arrangement and lighting Dramatic arrangement and lighting Rich colors Rich colors

Famous Early Baroque Paintings Caravaggio, The Conversion of Saul Artemisia Gentellischi, The Beheading of Holofernas

Hunting Dead animals from a hunt were a popular subject. Dead animals from a hunt were a popular subject. They are a great way to show off technique They are a great way to show off technique Look at: Look at: –Texture (feathers, tassels, velvet, etc) –Strong composition. –Realism –Details (find the fly) –Lighting effects (chiaroscuro)

FRUIT Traditional, what we usually think of with Still Life. Traditional, what we usually think of with Still Life. Originally symbolic for the good, sweet things in life, abundance, or even sexuality or sin. Originally symbolic for the good, sweet things in life, abundance, or even sexuality or sin.

LIGHTING Look at the way the light affects how we see the different forms, 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 ?

NOTICE THE COMPOSITION Composition refers to 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. Composition refers to 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. Good composition keeps your eye moving on an harmonious path. The triangle is a traditionally strong composition. The triangle is a traditionally strong composition.

LOOK! CAN YOU FIND THE TRIANGLE COMPOSITION? CAN YOU FIND THE TRIANGLE COMPOSITION?

FIND THE BUG! INSECTS were often added to a table setting. INSECTS were often added to a table setting. They symbolized the decadence of the “good life”, and warned one of the temptations of too much sweetness (can lead to evil….) They symbolized the decadence of the “good life”, and warned one of the temptations of too much sweetness (can lead to evil….)

FIVE SENSES Symbolism became more profound Symbolism became more profound Objects symbolizing the five senses of humans were arranged on a table: Objects symbolizing the five senses of humans were arranged on a table: –Sight –Sound –Smell –Touch –Taste Objects were chosen to symbolize pleasure

VANITAS This type of still life was meant to remind the viewer of the fleeting quality of life. Life is wonderful, but goes so FAST! This type of still life was meant to remind the viewer of the fleeting quality of life. Life is wonderful, but goes so FAST! What do you think each object symbolizes? What do you think each object symbolizes? VANITAS is about the swift approach of DEATH! VANITAS is about the swift approach of DEATH!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE COMPOSITION!

Ways to control eye movement Folds of cloth Folds of cloth Positioning of objects, bodies Positioning of objects, bodies Repetition of colors Repetition of colors Emphasis from either highlights or shadows. Emphasis from either highlights or shadows. Height of objects Height of objects Details, textures, or negative space Details, textures, or negative space Eyes Eyes

What would a modern Vanitas still life contain? Plan and assemble a Vanitas Still Life of modern design. What objects would you use?