Part of a new series of small, exquisite hardbacks from London's National Gallery.Still-life paintings celebrate the ordinary within the extraordinary, offering a timeless reminder of the beauty that surrounds us every day. Whether a lush bouquet or a humble basket of apples, these arrangements, frozen in time, have fascinated viewers for centuries. This book illustrates over 50 artworks including both traditional still lifes and unexpected additions, each accompanied by a captivating close-up detail. Engaging texts tell the stories behind these masterpieces, from the first still-life elements appearing in devotional paintings to Van Gogh's beloved sunflowers. AuthorSian Walters, founder and Director of Art History in Focus, is an art historian, lecturer and presenter. She has been a lecturer at the National Gallery since 2002 and previously taught at Surrey University. Her specialisms include Italian late medieval and Renaissance painting, Spanish art and the relationship between dance and art.
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