John Ottis Adams, Still Life, 1867-68, oil on canvas, donor: Mr. and Mrs. David Givens
This is the very first painting that famous Indiana Impressionist artist, John Ottis Adams, ever sold. It is a copy of an original painting owned by Mr. John Nicholson Sr. of Franklin, Indiana. Adams painted it when he was only 16 and still studying at Martinsville High School. This painting came with the original oval frame and a label on the back of frame comes from Adams’ memorial exhibition after his death in 1927. The golden oval frame echoes the golden oval nest at the center of the painting. This arrangement enhances the visual impact, while creating a multi-layer correspondence with other circular shapes such as the grapes and peaches in the painting.
It is worth noticing that one of the blue-greenish eggs in the nest is hatching. A small white creature is breaking through the shell of the egg. A hatching egg is very rarely seen in the traditional still life paintings. Since hatching eggs mostly embody the symbolism of hope and rebirth in classic artwork, it is possible that the young Adams intentionally chose to portray such imagery to express his desire to eventually become a great artist.
Click the links below for more information about this painting and artist:
- The Early Education of J. Ottis Adams
- J. Ottis Adams’ Wabash College Period
- J. Ottis Adams’ Friendship with T.C. Steele
- Video: Symbolism in this Still Life by Adams
Beidou Cheng