Originally called “lifeless and motionless” painting, still life was considered the lowest of the genres according to the official French classification of subject matter. In Flanders and Holland, however, it existed as a subject in its own right, and was very popular. Still Life depicted two main themes, fruit and vegetables, and meals at the table. In 17th century France, Still Life developed in parallel with genre painting, although the term “nature morte” (still life) only appeared in 1756, with the success of Chardin’s works.
