Still Life

Art Historical Context

Ben Benn's *Still Life* (1941), an oil on canvas measuring 24 1/4 x 30 inches, captures the timeless appeal of the genre with its arrangement of fruit and jugs. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Modern and Contemporary Art this painting exemplifies the intimate, everyday subjects that artists often explored to convey abundance and harmony amid uncertainty. Painted during World War II, the work was produced under the auspices of the New York City Progress Administration (W.P.), a New Deal program that employed thousands of artists during the Great Depression. Gifted to the Met in 1943, it reflects the W.P.A.'s vital role in sustaining American creativity, producing accessible art that documented daily life. Oil on canvas, a durable and expressive medium, allowed Benn to achieve rich textures and luminous colors, highlighting the tactile quality of the objects. As a modern still life, *Still Life* nods to European traditions while grounding itself in American experience, inviting viewers to savor simple pleasures in turbulent times. A charming addition to any visit!