Artwork
Still Life. Vegetables
Still Life. Vegetables is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Hmayak Hakobyan. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Armenia.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1901, this oil painting by Armenian artist Hmayak Hakobyan presents a modest still‑life composition centered on a single vegetable arrangement. The work is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Armenia, where it is displayed among other early‑20th‑century pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas focuses on a corn cob, its husk partially peeled back to expose bright yellow kernels, accompanied by several onions whose green tops remain attached. The simple, everyday subject reflects a tradition of celebrating ordinary harvest items, inviting contemplation of rural abundance and the tactile qualities of food.
Technique & Style
Hakobyan employs a vivid palette, contrasting the warm yellows and oranges of the corn with the muted earth tones of the onions. Bold, expressive brushwork creates a textured surface that suggests the roughness of the vegetable skins, while the angled placement of the corn adds a dynamic sense of three‑dimensionality.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained in Armenian public ownership, entering the National Gallery of Armenia’s holdings where it continues to be exhibited. No records indicate prior private sales, and the work has been referenced in catalogues of early Armenian oil painting.
Artist & collection
