Artwork Page for Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese (pair)

Details / Information for Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese (pair)

Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese (pair)

1858

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps

(French, 1803–1860)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
oil on fabric
Measurements
Unframed: 63 x 38 cm (24 13/16 x 14 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Noah L. Butkin 1980.254
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The artist was a smoker. In this composition the place of honor is given to a pipe made in Austria around the middle of the 19th century. It is made of precious materials—meerschaum, silver, amber, horn or lacquered wood—that are carefully fashioned, all lovingly rendered by the artist. The cord with a tassel (perhaps of horsehair) is not just a decorative element, it is a security measure in case the precious bowl of the pipe becomes detached from the pipe stem. The pipe is surrounded by ordinary smoker's accessories—a cigar case, a snuffbox, and a match holder in porcelain—all placed on a Turkish rug. The Latin inscription translates: "Use, not abuse." In 1858 Decamps was 55 years old and not in the best of health. Perhaps a doctor had advised him to reduce his consumption of tobacco.
Two vertically oriented oil panels depict meticulously detailed still lifes. On the left, a long pipe and colorful tassel hang against a gray wall above a red velvet case and porcelain match holder. On the right, dried herrings dangle above a wooden table set with a dark mug, silver cup, and bread. A white cheese wedge rests on a plate with a knife. Latin inscriptions in red and gold float above each shadowed scene.

Still Life with Pipe and Matches and Still Life with Herring, Bread, and Cheese (pair)

1858

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps

(French, 1803–1860)
France, 19th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork