Theodore Clement Steele, Still Life, 1920, oil on canvas, donor: Mr. and Mrs. John Collett
This still life was painted by famous Indiana Impressionist artist, T.C. Steele, during his last period, which he spent in Brown County. By the end of 1907, Steele and his second wife, Selma Neubacher, moved to their new house in the hills of Brown County. He and Selma spent their later years in this home they designed together and continued painting using the nearby landscapes as inspiration.
Although most of Steele’s works are landscapes and portraits, still life remained an optimal choice for his recreation during days with bad weather. According to Selma, Theodore Clement would paint still lifes when the common summer storms in the hills shook the house. This still life also indicates Steele’s personal interests. Steele collected American ceramics as a hobby during his later life. The blue jar at the center of this painting is part of his collection and is still displayed in his house today. And the red fruit is probably a pomegranate from the nearby woods.
Click the links below for more information about this painting and artist:
- Pomegranates in Indiana
- House of the Singing Winds in Brown County
- The Donor, John Collett
- Video introducing the House of the Singing Winds
- T. C. Steele State Historic Site, Brown County, Indiana
Beidou Cheng