Still Life with Shells and Glass Jar
Oil painting on panel or stretched canvas • G. Zhukov (signed and dated in the lower right corner)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Trompe-l'œil Still Life
Medium & Technique
Oil paint, featuring meticulous realism, subtle glazing, chiaroscuro lighting, and precise tonal control
Creation Period
2015
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12 x 16 inches, horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A dark, atmospheric tabletop still life featuring an open decorative patterned box filled with various delicate shells, a glass jar with a cork stopper containing colored glass or stones, a single clam shell holding white sand, and scattered shells resting on a wooden surface against a dark background
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent, showing no visible signs of damage, craquelure, or discoloration
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $6,000
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $4,000
Provenance History
Directly from the artist's studio or contemporary gallery representation, dated 2015 in the lower right
Art Historical Significance
Demonstrates the enduring appeal of traditional Dutch and Spanish Golden Age still life techniques adapted into a contemporary realist idiom, showcasing exceptional technical skill in rendering textures like glass, fabric, and mother-of-pearl
Notable Features
Delicate play of light catching the edges of the translucent shells, detailed pattern on the open box, and the artist's signature and date 'G. Zhukov 2015' visible in the lower right
Condition Issues
None observed; the surface appears stable and well-preserved
Conservation Recommendations
Standard preventive conservation: keep away from direct sunlight, maintain stable relative humidity (40-50%), and display in a controlled indoor environment