Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill was created by Pieter Claesz in 1628. It is representative of the Baroque era of art. The medium on which it is created is wood and oil paints are used, it is 9 1/2 in X 14 1/8 in. The subject of the piece is the fleeting moments in life symbolized by various naturalistic objects. Currently this piece is being displayed at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 635.
In the Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill, you see a skull sitting atop a ragged book and misc papers placed on a table; an incense burner is to the left of the skull and a tipped over wine glass to the right of the skull, almost as if it is protruding from the side of the skull itself; in front of the skull lies a writing quill. Claesz …show more content…
The colors utilized all compliment the other which adds to the unity; this in itself supports the idea as to how life is finite and we as mortals are as well. Balance is attained through the naturalistic rendering of each item portrayed. The proportions are natural which creates balance when viewing the piece and moving across the painting. The proportions are all realistic so no item looks abnormally large or small, the details such as the windows reflecting in the wineglass support these natural proportions.
The colors used in this painting are beautiful and rich. Various shades of brown, yellow, white, and orange emphasized with shades of grey and stark black. Each color enhances the natural appearance of the items presented. The contrast of each item is just right, there is nothing that is overtly standing out. The naturalistic style of painting as well as the versatility of oils allows for the texture of each item to really shine, almost as if I reached out and touched the feather of the quill I would be able to feel the soft wisps, or if I were to run my fingers along the skull I would feel the hard and jagged characteristics that define bone.
Overall, this was by far my favorite piece to analyze and view. I love the colors and contrast. I have discovered that I really enjoy the naturalistic style of art. I love that the reality of the times in which the piece is created
In the Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill, you see a skull sitting atop a ragged book and misc papers placed on a table; an incense burner is to the left of the skull and a tipped over wine glass to the right of the skull, almost as if it is protruding from the side of the skull itself; in front of the skull lies a writing quill. Claesz …show more content…
The colors utilized all compliment the other which adds to the unity; this in itself supports the idea as to how life is finite and we as mortals are as well. Balance is attained through the naturalistic rendering of each item portrayed. The proportions are natural which creates balance when viewing the piece and moving across the painting. The proportions are all realistic so no item looks abnormally large or small, the details such as the windows reflecting in the wineglass support these natural proportions.
The colors used in this painting are beautiful and rich. Various shades of brown, yellow, white, and orange emphasized with shades of grey and stark black. Each color enhances the natural appearance of the items presented. The contrast of each item is just right, there is nothing that is overtly standing out. The naturalistic style of painting as well as the versatility of oils allows for the texture of each item to really shine, almost as if I reached out and touched the feather of the quill I would be able to feel the soft wisps, or if I were to run my fingers along the skull I would feel the hard and jagged characteristics that define bone.
Overall, this was by far my favorite piece to analyze and view. I love the colors and contrast. I have discovered that I really enjoy the naturalistic style of art. I love that the reality of the times in which the piece is created