Preview
Send
Share
Details
Download
Similars
X-Ray
DiaporamaStill Life with Jug of Flowers, Goblet and Fruit
Oil On Canvas- WallArt
- Modernism
78.0 x 102.0 cm
Edinburgh College of Art
Read More
Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (29 August)
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Still Life with Jug of Flowers, Goblet and Fruit
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 63
Still Life with Jug of Flowers, Goblet and Fruit – A Study in Modernist Simplicity
Sir William George Gillies’ “Still Life with Jug of Flowers, Goblet and Fruit” stands as a testament to the burgeoning modernist movement within Scottish art during the 1930s. Painted sometime around 1934, this deceptively understated piece transcends mere representation; it embodies an emotional response to observation, filtered through the lens of influential artistic currents like Cubism and Klee’s imaginative color palettes. The artwork resides in the collection of Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh), offering a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of its time.Compositional Harmony and Stylized Perspective
The painting's dominant blue background isn’t merely decorative—it establishes depth and directs the viewer’s gaze towards the central tableau: a table setting featuring a vase brimming with blossoms, alongside a wine bottle and draped cloth. Gillies employs broad, gestural brushstrokes to render the tabletop itself, conveying texture and dynamism that subtly contradicts the apparent stillness of the scene. Unlike traditional realism, perspective is flattened, contributing to the overall stylized effect. Lines aren’t meticulously drawn but rather used expressively—notice particularly the flowing drapery, which possesses a loose quality indicative of Gillies' desire to capture immediacy rather than precise detail. Geometric shapes – rectangles and circles – are incorporated organically into the composition, furthering this simplification of form.Color Palette and Artistic Influences
The color scheme is powerfully driven by blues and reds, creating striking contrasts that immediately draw attention to key elements like the flowers and goblet. This bold palette echoes Gillies’ exposure to Picasso and Braque's restrained palettes during his Parisian explorations in 1923-24, reflecting the influence of Cubism. However, perhaps more profoundly, Gillies absorbed Klee’s approach—embracing childlike qualities and imaginative color usage—a pivotal encounter that fundamentally altered his artistic vision. The subtle lighting from above adds volume to the objects, enhancing their presence within the frame.Technique and Emotional Resonance
Gillies executed this work with oil paint applied using loose, visible brushstrokes – a technique characteristic of the period and conveying palpable energy. The surface texture is deliberately rough, mirroring the artist’s engagement with capturing emotion rather than achieving photographic accuracy. “Still Life with Jug of Flowers, Goblet and Fruit” isn't simply an arrangement of objects; it’s a distillation of observation into a powerfully expressive statement about color, form, and gesture—a captivating piece that continues to resonate with viewers today.Historical Context & Legacy
Gillies’ work emerged during a period of significant artistic experimentation in Scotland, coinciding with the formation of the 1922 Group – an influential collective dedicated to championing modernist aesthetics. His dedication to teaching at Edinburgh College of Art cemented his role as a formative figure in shaping the visual culture of subsequent generations. Reproductions of “Still Life with Jug of Flowers, Goblet and Fruit” offer collectors and interior designers alike the opportunity to experience the beauty and intellectual depth of this remarkable modernist masterpiece.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)
Related Articles
Slate Blue Masterpieces: 10 Iconic Paintings & Timeless Home Decor Ideas
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of slate blue! Explore 10 iconic paintings by Monet, Van Gogh & Renoir. Discover their stories, techniques & find museum-quality art reproductions for your home at .
Serene Blue Backgrounds: Discover Soulful Art to Transform Your Space with Timeless Elegance
Transform your home with soulful blue art. From serene Monet impressions to modern textured sculptures, discover curated masterpieces designed to inspire calm. Explore expert art consultations and bespoke hand-painted reproductions to create your personal sanctuary.
The Allure of Azure: Exploring the Symbolic & Aesthetic Depths of Blue in Art History
Explore the rich history of blue in art! Discover its symbolism, from ancient pigments to modern masterpieces by Kandinsky & Seurat. Uncover the psychological impact and cultural meanings behind this captivating hue.
The Enduring Legacy of Oil on Canvas: Technique, History & Aesthetic Impact
Explore the rich history & techniques of oil painting – from Renaissance masters to Impressionism. Discover pigments, layering methods, and why this timeless medium endures. Expert insights for artists & art enthusiasts.
Oil on Canvas: A Historical & Technical Exploration of a Timeless Artistic Medium
Explore the rich history & enduring techniques of oil painting on canvas. Discover the science behind its longevity, conservation practices, and contemporary relevance. Expert insights for art enthusiasts.
