Where can I see Still Life with Blue and White Plate?

Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture

Get a giclee of Still Life with Blue and White Plate

Quick Facts

Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 60 x 130 cm
Notable elements or techniques: Cubist influences, Cézanne-inspired arrangement
Subject or theme: Still Life
Title: Still Life with Blue and White Plate
Location: Private Collection
Artistic style: Imagination & childlike qualities

Collectible Description

Still Life with Blue and White Plate – A Reflection of Scottish Colourism

Sir William George Gillies’ “Still Life with Blue and White Plate” stands as a testament to the burgeoning Scottish Colourist movement, capturing a moment of quiet contemplation amidst meticulously rendered objects. Painted sometime around 1934, this artwork exemplifies Gillies' masterful blend of influences—primarily Cézanne and Paul Klee—resulting in an image that transcends mere representation and delves into deeper artistic considerations. It’s more than just a depiction of fruit and tableware; it’s a carefully constructed visual dialogue reflecting the artist’s evolving sensibilities.

The Influence of Cézanne and Picasso

Gillies' formative years were marked by exposure to the revolutionary ideas circulating in Paris during the early 1920s, notably through his studies under André Lhote. This immersion propelled him toward Cubism, albeit tempered by a sensitivity inherited from Cézanne – a fascination with capturing volume and form through flattened planes. The subtle interplay of perspective and shading echoes Cézanne’s groundbreaking approach, particularly evident in the arrangement of the fruit and the plate itself. Simultaneously, Gillies absorbed the understated color palettes championed by Picasso and Braque, demonstrating an understanding of modernist aesthetics that prioritized tonal harmony over bold chromatic statements.

A Childlike Palette Inspired by Klee

However, Gillies’ artistic trajectory took a decisive turn following his encounter with Paul Klee in 1934. Klee's pioneering use of color—characterized by vibrant hues juxtaposed against muted tones—awakened Gillies to the expressive potential of childlike spontaneity and imagination. This influence is palpable in the painting’s luminous blues and whites, which aren’t merely decorative but contribute to an overall feeling of serenity and wonder. The artist deliberately avoids harsh contrasts, favoring instead a delicate gradation that evokes the hazy atmosphere of Scottish landscapes—a stylistic hallmark of Gillies' oeuvre.

Historical Context: Embracing Modernity Amidst Tradition

The painting emerged during a period of significant artistic experimentation in Scotland, where artists like Geddes and Carse were actively pushing boundaries against academic conventions. Gillies’ embrace of Cubism and Klee’s aesthetic principles represented a conscious effort to engage with the broader European avant-garde while retaining a distinctly Scottish sensibility. This duality is beautifully conveyed through the careful selection of objects—the blue and white plate, the oranges, and the apples—each imbued with symbolic resonance. They speak to themes of domesticity, beauty, and the fleeting nature of existence – concepts central to Gillies’ artistic vision.

Emotional Impact: Tranquility and Observation

Ultimately, “Still Life with Blue and White Plate” succeeds in capturing a profound emotional state: quiet observation and contemplative appreciation for simple pleasures. The artist's meticulous attention to detail—the subtle reflections on the surface of the plate, the delicate curve of an apple—invites viewers into a moment of stillness. It’s a painting that encourages contemplation, mirroring Gillies’ own deep connection with the Scottish Highlands and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. This reproduction offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic spirit of its time and remains a poignant reminder of Gillies' enduring legacy as one of Scotland’s most celebrated Colourists.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

Sir William George Gillies: A Life in Scottish Art

Early Life and Education

Born: Haddington, East Lothian, United Kingdom, 1898.
Gillies initially enrolled at the Edinburgh College of Art but his studies were interrupted by service in World War I with the Royal Engineers.
Following the war, he returned to complete his education at the Edinburgh College of Art, graduating and subsequently becoming a dedicated teacher there for over 40 years.

Artistic Development and Influences

Gillies’ artistic journey began with an exploration of Cubism after studying under André Lhote in Paris (1923) and traveling to Italy (1924).
Early works, like “Two Pots, Saucer and Fruit” (1933), demonstrate this influence, showing a Cézanne-inspired arrangement with Braque and Picasso’s understated color palettes.
A pivotal moment came in 1934 when he encountered the work of Paul Klee, inspiring him to adopt a more imaginative use of colour and childlike qualities in his compositions.
He gradually moved away from strict Cubism, developing a distinctive style rooted in Scottish landscape and still life traditions.

The 1922 Group and Collaborative Spirit

In 1922, Gillies co-founded the “1922 Group” alongside fellow artists including William Crozier, William Geissler, and William MacTaggart.
This exhibition society provided a platform for emerging Scottish artists to showcase their work at the New Gallery in Edinburgh for a decade.
The group fostered a sense of community and innovation within the Scottish art scene.

Themes and Subject Matter

Landscapes: Gillies is renowned for his depictions of the Lothian, Fife, and Border regions of Scotland. He captured the essence of these landscapes with a sensitive eye.
Still Lifes: Still life compositions were another significant focus, often featuring ceramics created by his younger sister, Emma Smith Gillies, whose premature death in 1936 deeply affected him.
Portraiture: While he experimented with portraiture early in his career, landscapes and still lifes became his primary subjects.

Major Achievements and Recognition

Gillies served as Principal of the Edinburgh College of Art from 1959 until his retirement in 1966.
His prolific output and dedication to teaching had a profound influence on generations of Scottish painters.
He was elected a Royal Academician (RA), signifying significant recognition within the art world.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Sir William George Gillies is considered one of Scotland’s most important 20th-century painters.
His work bridges the gap between early modernism and a distinctly Scottish artistic identity.
Legacy: His influence extends beyond his paintings, shaping the direction of Scottish art through his teaching and mentorship.
He died in 1973, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated for its beauty, sensitivity, and enduring relevance.

sir william george gillies

1898 - 1973 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Birth Date: 1898
Birth Place: Haddington, United Kingdom
Death Date: 1973
Influenced By:
- André Lhote
- Cézanne
- Braque
- Picasso
- Paul Klee
Movement:
- Cubism
- Scottish Colourists
Name: Sir William George Gillies
Nationality: Scottish
Notable Works:
- Young Boy with a Teapot
- Mediterranean Landscape with Overcast Sky
- Still Life – Yellow Jug and Striped Cloth
- The Origin of the Milky Way (after Jacopo Tintoretto)