Still Life with Brass Urn 1892

"Still Life with Brass Urn" is an oil on canvas painting by American artist Emil Carlsen, created in 1892. This piece is a prime example of Carlsen's mastery of still life painting, renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of light and shadow. The composition features a brass urn, a porcelain bowl with blue and white decorative accents, and two dead ducks, set against a dark background. The interplay of textures and colors, particularly the reflective qualities of the brass and the delicate porcelain, creates a sense of depth and realism. This work exemplifies the artistic trends of the late 19th century, where still life paintings moved away from idealized depictions and embraced a more naturalistic approach.