Still life with flowers 1877

Pericles Pantazis painted this still life, depicting flowers, plants, and vase, during a time of significant artistic and social change in Europe. Pantazis, a Greek artist who spent significant time in France, positions himself within the late 19th-century movement of Impressionism. His still life deviates from traditional academic painting, which often conveyed moral or historical narratives. Instead, he focuses on capturing the fleeting beauty of everyday objects. The flowers, rendered with soft brushstrokes and a delicate palette, evoke a sense of ephemeral beauty. Yet, still life as a genre has historically been associated with the feminine realm and the domestic sphere, often marginalized in the art world. Pantazis engages with and, perhaps, elevates these overlooked subjects. In choosing this subject matter, Pantazis subtly challenges the prevailing artistic hierarchy. This painting invites us to consider the value we place on different subjects and perspectives, prompting us to question the construction of artistic value and gendered associations.