The Vanity of the Artist's Dream 1830

This unusual and symbolic painting is titled ‘The Vanity of the Artist’s Dream’, though it’s also known as ‘The Poor Artist’s Cupboard’. It was created by the American artist Charles Bird King (1785-1862) between 1815 and 1830, during the early years of the republic of the United States. What do you think King might have been trying to communicate through this painting? The work is a still life which depicts a cupboard crammed with artist’s tools. We see a colour palette, paintbrushes, and manuscripts dedicated to the philosophy of art. There’s also a cast (plaster mold) of the ‘Apollo Belvedere’, a famous classical sculpture. Below the plaster head, a loaf of bread sits on a small plate. This crust symbolises poverty and starvation, due to the lack of commissions received by artists after the American Revolution. Nestled amongst the books and tools, King has included financial letters and bills. There’s also a crooked medal, which states that it was awarded for last place! ‘The Vanity of the Artist’s Dream’ is a critical reflection on ambition and the pursuit of fame. Here. King makes a statement against the lack of art patronage which occurred during the early years of the United States. Charles Bird King preferred to paint still lives, but had to turn to portraits to earn money. There’s lots of technical skill in this painting. It’s a great example of a ‘trompe l’oeil’. This term, which is French for ‘deceive the eye’, refers to a work of optical illusion. The technique allows the artist to build realistic, three-dimensional space.