A Closer Look: Still Life: 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 Velazquez, and again in the works of Cezanne and Picasso. Originally published as "Pocket Guide Still Life," this eloquent survey benefits from a wider format, new reproductions, and updated references.