A very interesting exhibition drawn from the permanent collection is running at the Rye Art Gallery until January 9.
Curator Julian E Day explains that still life has been a common feature of art since the classical age but became a distinct genre during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.
The popularity was due in part to the combination of opportunity to display skill in painting textures and surfaces in great detail and with realistic light effects.
Among the trappings of wealth and indulgence, familiar omens of impermanence and ultimately death linger in the pictures, where still life's original meanings are not lost.
