The artwork “Still Life” by Salvador Dali, created in 1918, is an oil on canvas that belongs to the Realism art movement. As a genre, it is classified as a still life. The artwork showcases a meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to representational accuracy, which are hallmarks of the Realist tradition.
In the artwork, viewers are presented with a composition that features an assortment of objects arranged on a draped table. Central to the composition is a red bowl brimming with fruit, including apples and what appears to be tomatoes, hinting at a tangible sense of freshness and texture. To the left of the bowl stands a sizeable, rustic jar, adding a sense of solidity and weight to the setting. A garlic bulb and a partially peeled onion at the forefront contribute to the narrative of kitchen fare and daily sustenance. On the right side, a smaller dish holds more fruit, possibly nuts, fostering a sense of abundance. Additionally, a lamp with a reflector, positioned behind the bowl, introduces an element of domesticity and warmth. The interplay of light and shadow in the artwork is subtle, illuminating the objects and casting gentle shadows that give depth to the scene.
A green glove and a dark fabric or object in the foreground create a contrast of color and texture, drawing the viewer’s eye across the arrangement. The positioning of these items appears casual, suggesting a moment captured in time rather than a meticulously planned composition. The backdrop of the painting is relatively plain, allowing the focus to remain on the still life arrangement itself. Overall, Dali’s early work here conveys a conventional, almost humble subject matter with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that foreshadows his future as a master of surrealistic art.
