Luis Meléndez, May 17 - August 23, National Gallery of Art, Washington

Luis Meléndez; Master of the Spanish Still Life ; Luis Meléndez is represented in this exhibition by 31 paintings and are displayed with everyday objects of the type the artist kept in his studio as props for his vivid still lifes.


Self-Portrait, 1746, oil on canvas

Luis Meléndez received little acclaim during his lifetime and died in poverty, Meléndez is recognized today as the greatest Spanish still-life painter of the eighteenth century. He lived in poverty for most of his life, in 1772 in a letter to the king he declared that he only owned his pencils. In June 1780, ill in bed, Meléndez declared himself a pauper and died the next month.

For more information go to the National Gallery of Art, Washington




Still Life with apricots and cherries, 1773, oil on canvas




Still Life with figs and bread, c1770, oil on canvas




Still Life with box of jellied fruit, bread, silver salver, glass and wine cooler, 1770, oil on canvas




Still Life with Watermelons and apples in a landscape, 1771, oil on canvas



The exhibition catalogue: Luis Meléndez: Master of the Spanish Still Life,
154 pages, 100 color, 20 b+w | 9.25 x 11 inches, US$40
can be purchased online from the National Gallery of Art, Shop