A Closer Look Still Life

Still-life paintings appeal to many art lovers. These skilfully painted tableaux are rich with meanings and tradition. The objects captured range from the commonplace – flowers, fruit, vegetables – to the desirable, such as musical instruments and books. In this book Erika Langmuir examines the 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 ancient Rome, through its revival in the age of Caravaggio and Velaquez, and again in the works of Cezanne and Picasso. A Closer Look: Still Life is one of eleven books in the A Closer Look series.

Erika Langmuir, OBE, was Head of Education at the National Gallery from 1988 to 1995.

• Paperback edition published in 2010.
• Includes coloured illustrations. 
• Dimensions: 21cm x 15cm.