Artwork

Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese (pair)

Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese (pair) is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Alexandre Gabriel Decamps. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This pair of paintings, Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese, depicts two small tables with everyday objects arranged on them. The artist, Decamps, rendered the objects with great attention to detail and texture.

Subject & Meaning

The still lifes show a contrast between a luxurious pipe and simple food. The pipe is made of rare materials and has a safety cord, while the herring, bread, and cheese are ordinary fare. A Latin inscription on one painting advises 'Use, not abuse', possibly referencing the artist's own habits.

Technique & Style

Decamps employed chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and highlight the textures of the objects. The use of light emphasizes the intricate details of the pipe and the sheen on the herring's scales, giving the paintings a sense of realism.

History & Provenance

Decamps was 55 years old and in poor health when he painted these works in 1858. His age and health may have influenced the themes and symbolism in the paintings, such as the warning against excessive use of tobacco.