Objects

=Still Life= __Inanimate__ objects such as fruit, flowers, food and everyday items are painted as the main focus of interest in still lifes. The term __derives__ from the Dutch 'stilleven', which became current from about 1650 as a __collective__ name for this type of subject matter. Still life painting - later called 'natures mortes' was particularly popular in the Netherlands during the 17th century and was often associated with material decay and the futility of worldly life. Still lifes with this interpretation are known as 'Vanitas' or 'Memento Mori'. Though losing most of this symbolism still life has remained a popular subject with artists to this day. ([])

**__Alternative words and phrases:__** Inanimate - not alive derives - comes from collective - group 'natures mortes' - "dead natural things" (French) the Netherlands - Holland 17th century - 1600s when England was ruled by [|Elizabeth I] (last of the Tudors); [|James I], [|Charles I] and [|Charles II] (House of Stuart). material decay - things that are rotting futility of worldly life - pointlessness of life on earth compared to the after-life in Heaven (or Hell) interpretation - possible meaning symbolism - extra meaning