Still Life Hyacinths and Fruit 1865

Henri Fantin-Latour's "Still Life with Hyacinths and Fruit," is an oil painting from the 19th century. Look closely at the surface of the canvas, and the varied ways that Fantin-Latour used the paint. His technique is rooted in the traditional approach of layering oil paints to create depth and luminosity. Fantin-Latour's process reflects the academic training he received, and his engagement with the conventions of still-life painting. Yet the subdued palette and simplified forms also suggest a modern sensibility. The artist used soft brushstrokes to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow on the fruit and flowers. In contrast, the background is rendered with broader, more gestural strokes. The contrast in textures creates a dynamic surface, enlivening a traditional genre. In his still lifes, Fantin-Latour elevated the everyday to the level of art. He reminds us to find beauty in the ordinary objects that surround us.