During the 14th century in northern Europe, the optical realism of still-life painting became popular and it was often used to depict objects of allegorical or symbolic meaning. It was not until much later that artists gradually began to pay more attention to shape, color and motifs, which led to less realistic works, such as those of Post-Impressionist Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) and Giorgio Morandi (1890-1964).
The exhibition showcases European and American still-life paintings from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, and includes 69 works that collectively trace the history and transition of still-life art from the 16th century to today. In addition to the paintings, there is also a section on ceramics and crafts; Sept. 17-Feb. 19, 2012.
Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Arts; (052) 684-0101; 1-1-1 Kanayama-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi; in front of Kanayama Station (South Exit), Meijo or JR Tokaido lines. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sat., Sun., and holidays, till 5 p.m.) ¥1,200. Closed Mon., Dec. 26-Jan. 1; open holidays and closed the following day. www.nagoya-boston.or.jp.
