Explore Still Life Art at LUMAS

One of the oldest artistic traditions, still life pictures show us a new way of looking at everyday objects. You can discover still life art and photography at LUMAS online, via the LUMAS app, or by dropping in at one of our galleries located in cities around the world. Order exclusive limited editions or pick form our open editions and beautify your home with fine art still life.

A Brief History of Still Life Art

Fine art still life emerged in the 16th century and has remained a popular subject ever since. Due to increased global exploration, this period saw a renewed interest in the natural world. Foreign objects from around the globe were imported to Europe, where people and artists began collecting them as curiosities. Shells, insects, fabrics, as well as exotic fruits and flower images became novelty subjects for still life painters.

The history of fine art still life is varied, with movements forming independently across Europe. In Southern Europe the Spanish movement known as Bodegón focused on austerity and food from traditional pantries. However is it the Low Countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, where the still life art tradition took root and had the greatest and longest-lasting impact. Images from these regions were often illusionistic, reviving the Greek ‘trompe-l'œil’ technique, and many contained hidden symbols.

The 19th and 20th century saw a continued interest in still life pictures. It can be found in almost all movements, such as Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism, with a Campbell’s soup can becoming the most iconic pop art image ever. It has since continued to endure well into the 21st century. Techniques such as photorealism and 3D computer-generated graphics have added a new dimension to the tradition.

Fine Art Still Life Photography

Still life photography has much in common with still life art. Popular due to the freedom it gives artists to play with composition, fine art still life photography uses form with refined lighting to make an image. One important distinction is that unlike still life art, photography permits photographers to go to the macro level when shooting. This has produced a wealth of still life pictures that capture natural forms and patterns.

We believe everyone should be able to own a real, authentic piece of still life art. That’s why at LUMAS established artists and promising newcomers are expertly curated side by side. With over 18,000 pieces in our portfolio—and counting—it’s the perfect place to start your still life art collection.

The LUMAS Quality Concept

Our goal is to make high-quality photography affordable for everybody. Because of our partnership with the artists, we have access to the original negatives. This means that every fine art still life edition produced by us is also an original, and not a run-of-the-mill copy. Plus, our limited edition runs are hand signed by the artist and are guaranteed to be one of just a handful ever produced.

To produce our photo editions, we use the award-winning photo lab, WhiteWall. Trusted by professional photographers and museums the world over, WhiteWall pairs traditional photochemical techniques with the latest technologies. All of our photographs are developed using a Lambda exposure system followed by a laser that optimises the print. Finally, WhiteWall uses Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper—providing unbeatable quality that will last for generations.

For our still life art prints, only the best will do. WhiteWall’s 6-colour system sets the bar for professional prints. The process reproduces each colour with near perfect accuracy. It is then hardened using a UV-light treatment, preventing the colours from bleeding and fading, while providing a durable print.