What is a still life in art?

A still life in art refers specifically to the depiction of inanimate objects, such as fruits, flowers, household items, or other non-living elements. This genre of art focuses on the arrangement and presentation of these objects, allowing the artist to explore themes of composition, color, lighting, and texture without the distraction of animate figures.

The uniqueness of still life lies in its ability to portray the beauty and complexity of everyday objects, often inviting the viewer to appreciate details that they might overlook in real life. Still life has a rich historical significance, often used by artists to convey symbolism or to study optics and perception through careful observation and arrangement.

In contrast, other options mention aspects that are not characteristic of still life. For instance, a painting of moving figures would not fall under the still life category as it focuses on action and living subjects. Abstract art emphasizes forms and colors rather than identifiable objects, while representations of human emotions typically involve figures or scenes that express feelings rather than static objects.