This genre of painting was established as an independent category of art in the 17th century. While the Netherlands were certainly pioneers in the subject, a small number of painters in Continental Europe followed suit - even in these early days. The subject matter for such depictions is focused on, but not limited to: kitchen scenes of delicately arranged fruit and flowers, decadent market scenes of fish, meat and shellfish, composition of hunting trophies as well as studiolo depictions of books, manuscripts and musical instruments. The growing intellectual concern for the natural world, the rise of the middle classes (replacing the state as well as the church as main patrons of the arts) and an increase of urbanisation all contributed to growing interest in inanimate objects.

Items we have sold from this category

20th Century Still Life Oil

SOLD

Four Rare Late 18th Century Chinese Export...

SOLD

Late 18th Century Plaster Relief Fragment ...

SOLD

A Still Life – Oil on Panel

SOLD

19th Century Pressed Ferns

SOLD

Nine 19th Century Hand-Pressed Seaweeds

SOLD

20th Century Oil Depicting a Fig

SOLD

Two Oils on Canvas – A Stylised Oran...

SOLD

Mid-20th Century Painted Panel Depicting P...

SOLD

19th Century Still Life Trompe-l’oei...

SOLD

18th Century Boiserie Panel

SOLD

A 17th Century Still Life Oil on Canvas

SOLD

A Mid-19th Century Victorian Floral Waterc...

SOLD

A Mid-19th Century Victorian Period Floral...

SOLD

A Mid-19th Century Early Victorian Floral ...

SOLD

A Mid-19th Century, Early Victorian Floral...

SOLD

A Late 19th Century Botanical Watercolour

SOLD

A Late 19th Century Botanical Watercolour

SOLD

A Late 19th Century Botanical Watercolour ...

SOLD

A Late 19th Century Botanical Watercolour

SOLD