Still Life 1930

Kmetty János painted this "Still Life" using oil on canvas, and though we don't know the date, it evokes a sense of the past through its materials and subject matter. Oil paint, itself a slow-drying medium, encourages a deliberate, layered approach. János's visible brushstrokes create texture, giving a tactile sense of the objects, almost like we could reach out and touch the glazed ceramic of the blue teapot or the rough weave of the curtain. The choice of everyday objects – fruit, dishes, a simple table – speaks to a focus on the beauty of the mundane, not unlike craft traditions that elevate function to art. The labour is evident in the application of paint, each stroke a conscious decision, building up to a cohesive image. By paying close attention to the material qualities and the process of creation, we appreciate how János imbues his painting with cultural significance, blurring the lines between fine art and the humble objects that enrich daily life.