Who painted Still Life?

Still Life was painted by Goode, M.A. in second half 19th century.

Where can I see Still Life?

Still Life is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Still Life?

Still Life is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Still Life?

Museum-quality prints of Still Life are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Still Life

Goode, M.A. , 1874

Still Life is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Goode, M.A.. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. M.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left: Painted by Mrs. M. A. Goode; on reverse (no longer visible; obscured when relined and not photographed): MAG 1771

About this work

Subject & Meaning

since a 1978 gift from Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, who acquired it from Victor Spark in 1954.

The work is an oil‑on‑canvas painting from the second half of the 19th century that belongs to the still‑life genre, indicating that its subject consists of an arranged collection of inanimate objects; the composition reflects the traditional focus on material grouping rather than narrative content. It measures 65.5 cm by 55.5 cm and has been part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C. since a 1978 gift from Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, who acquired it from Victor Spark in 1954.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in oil on canvas, with the paint applied in smooth, blended layers typical of academic still-life practice in the second half of the nineteenth century. Handling is restrained and precise, emphasizing careful modeling of form and subtle transitions in tone rather than visible brushwork. The composition is arranged frontally against a neutral backdrop, with objects, likely fruits and vessels, rendered with crisp edges and controlled highlights to convey solidity and texture.

The measured approach aligns with contemporaneous taste for polished finish and illusionistic finish, avoiding the looser facture associated with later movements.

History & Provenance

The painting Still Life by M.A. Goode was created during the second half of the 19th century. Its early history places its origin in Pennsylvania before it entered the art market in New York. The work was acquired by dealer Victor Spark, who sold it in 1954 to the collectors Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch.

The Garbisches subsequently donated the piece to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in 1978, where it remains part of the permanent collection.

Still Life by M.A. Goode is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The work entered the museum's holdings in 1978 as a gift from Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch. Prior to this donation, the painting was sold to the Garbisches in 1954 by the New York dealer Victor Spark. Provenance records indicate the artwork originated in Pennsylvania before entering the Spark inventory. No specific exhibition history or accession number is provided in the available records.

Overview

M.A. Goode's 1874 oil on canvas, "Still Life," presents a domestic arrangement of everyday objects. The painting depicts a collection of items on a draped table, rendered with a focus on tactile qualities and light. This work exemplifies the artist's approach to capturing the quiet presence of common household elements through a direct and observed style.