Fish
1842
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1842
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
A dead fish lies flat on a worn wooden table. Sunlight hits its silver scales from the left. The tail curls slightly, as if it just flopped to a stop. Painted in 1842, this is one of Mount’s quiet studies of everyday things. He liked showing things as they were—no drama, just honest light and texture. The background stays plain so you focus on the fish. Look for more like this at the Art Institute of Chicago.
