Artwork
still life with boxes and crockery
still life with boxes and crockery is an unspecified painting by Josefa de Óbidos. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art.
About this work
Overview
Still Life with Boxes and Crockery, painted in 1655 by Josefa de Óbidos, is a Baroque-era still life depicting everyday objects in a domestic setting, characterized by simplicity and elegance against a dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features ordinary household items—stacked boxes (one covered by a white cloth), various crockery pieces, and a suspended red jug—emphasizing the beauty in mundane domesticity.
Technique & Style
Óbidos employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition with strategic lighting contrasts.
History & Provenance
Created by Josefa de Óbidos in 1655, the work is now part of the National Museum of Ancient Art’s collection, reflecting her significant contribution to Portuguese Baroque art.
Context
As a prolific female artist in 17th-century Portugal, Óbidos’s work, including this piece, contributes to the broader Baroque still life tradition while highlighting her individual artistic voice.
Legacy
Still Life with Boxes and Crockery stands as a testament to Óbidos’s skill and productivity, solidifying her recognition as one of Portugal’s most notable Baroque artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Josefa de Óbidos (Portuguese: ; c. 1630 – 22 July 1684) was a Spanish-born Portuguese painter. Her birth name was Josefa de Ayala Figueira, but she signed her work as "Josefa em Óbidos" or "Josefa de Ayalla". All of her…
