Description
The painting Still-life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art. The work, which measures 69 x 85 cm, is a still life that represents an arrangement of fruits and vegetables. The composition of the painting is surprising, as Cotán places the fruits and vegetables on a wooden shelf suspended in the air, creating a floating sensation.
The artistic style of the painting is typical of the Spanish Baroque, with an emphasis on light and shadow. Cotán uses a technique called tenebrism, which is a form of chiaroscuro that emphasizes light and dark. Light enters from the left and casts deep shadows on the fruits and vegetables, giving them a sense of volume and texture.
The paint color is vibrant and full of life. Fruits and vegetables are painted in rich, saturated colors, giving them a feeling of freshness and vitality. The combination of colors is also interesting, as Cotán uses complementary colors to create a visual contrast.
The history of the painting is intriguing. Cotán is believed to have painted this work in the early 17th century, when he was a Carmelite monk in Toledo. The painting was rediscovered in the 20th century and has become one of the most famous works of Spanish art.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Cotán used a technique called "escorzo" to create the sensation of depth in the work. Foreshortening is a drawing technique used to depict objects at extreme angles. Cotán used this technique to create the sensation that the fruits and vegetables were floating in the air.
In short, the painting Still-life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber by Juan Sánchez Cotán is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art. The composition, artistic style, color and history of the painting make it a fascinating and lively work of art.