Preview
Send
Share
Details
Download
Similars
X-Ray
DiaporamaStill Life with Red Chair
Acrylic On Canvas- WallArt
- Cubist Still Life
1930
77.0 x 92.0 cm
Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture
Read More
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Buy Print 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 painting with additional hand-painted elements. 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.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (23 August). No compromise on quality.
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 Red Chair
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
Artwork Description
Still Life with Red Chair – A Reflection of Scottish Modernism
“Still Life with Red Chair,” painted in 1930 by Sir William George Gillies, stands as a testament to the burgeoning modernist movement within Scottish art. More than just a depiction of objects—a vase brimming with flowers, a delicate cup resting on a table surface, a sturdy red chair anchoring the composition—the painting embodies a profound exploration of form and color, reflecting Gillies’ engagement with influential artistic currents of his time.
Influences: Cubism and Cézanne
Gillies' artistic development began in Paris during 1923 where he studied under André Lhote, immersing himself in the revolutionary ideas of Cubism. This initial exposure to Picasso and Braque’s fractured perspectives profoundly impacted his approach to representation. However, Gillies didn’t simply adopt Cubist techniques wholesale; instead, he skillfully blended them with the expressive solidity of Cézanne's landscapes—a deliberate choice that imbued his work with a sense of groundedness amidst abstraction.
Color Palette and Technique: Embracing Klee’s Vision
A transformative encounter in 1934 with Paul Klee’s art ignited Gillies’ imagination. Klee's use of vibrant, seemingly spontaneous colors—a technique characterized by layering hues and textures—inspired Gillies to move beyond the muted palettes favored by earlier Cubist artists. He experimented with bold reds, yellows, and blues, creating a visual richness that captures the essence of Scottish landscapes. Gillies employed oil paints on canvas, applying thick impasto strokes to build up textural surfaces, mirroring Klee’s emphasis on tactile qualities.
Historical Context: The Edinburgh College Years
Gillies' dedication to teaching at the Edinburgh College of Art for over four decades provided him with a stable platform for artistic experimentation. During this period, he honed his skills and fostered a generation of Scottish artists who would carry forward Gillies’ legacy. The painting emerged during a time when Scotland was experiencing significant cultural shifts—the rise of modernism challenged traditional artistic conventions, prompting artists to reconsider established methods.
Symbolism and Emotional Impact: A Quiet Resonance
Beyond its formal considerations, “Still Life with Red Chair” possesses a subtle symbolic resonance. The red chair itself – a simple yet assertive element – could represent stability and permanence against the backdrop of shifting artistic ideas. Simultaneously, the arrangement of objects—the vase, cup, bowl—suggests contemplation and appreciation for beauty. Gillies’ masterful execution conveys not just visual information but also an emotional depth that invites viewers to pause and consider the quiet grandeur of everyday life.
- Artist: Sir William George Gillies
- Year Painted: 1930
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Size: 77 x 92 cm
- Location: Private Collection
This artwork exemplifies the spirit of Scottish Modernism, blending influences from Cubism and Cézanne with a bold color palette inspired by Paul Klee. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture both visual precision and emotional resonance—a timeless celebration of form, color, and contemplation.
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
Cézanne's Masterpieces: 25 Iconic Artworks to Transform Your Space
Journey through 25 iconic artworks by Paul Cézanne – a master of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Explore his landscapes, still lifes, and the stories behind these timeless masterpieces. Discover museum-quality reproductions & curated decor at ArtsDot.com.
Paul Klee's Masterpieces: Explore 25 Iconic Paintings & Prints | ArtsDot
Journey through Paul Klee's 25 most iconic paintings & prints. Explore his abstract style, Bauhaus influence, and vibrant color palettes. Find museum-quality art reproductions & decor ideas at ArtsDot.com. Discover all masterpieces online.
Paul Klee: A Poetics of Form and Color – Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Modern Master
Explore the captivating world of Paul Klee! Discover his innovative art, Bauhaus influence, & unique symbolic language. Expert analysis & high-quality reproductions at ArtsDot.
Impressionistic Landscapes: 10 Masterpieces That Changed Art & Decor
Journey into the heart of Impressionism! Explore 10 masterpieces by Monet, Renoir & Degas that revolutionized landscape art. Discover their stories, techniques & find museum-quality reproductions to elevate your home decor on ArtsDot.com.
George Paul Chalmers: Rediscovering the Angus Rembrandt & Scottish Colourist Roots
Explore the captivating world of George Paul Chalmers (1833-1878), a pivotal Scottish painter. Discover his landscapes, portraits & connection to the Aesthetic Movement and Colourists. Learn about this 'Angus Rembrandt's' legacy with ArtsDot.
