Come to Your Senses
Discussion through works of art encourage how to approach ambiguous and complex ideas, thoughts, and feelings. The MFAH offers a democratic space where students and teachers can develop, practice and articulate these habits of mind. Remember that the quality of the conversation is what is important, not finding the artist’s “answer.” Slow down and take the time to make careful observations. Talk about what you notice, and try to avoid jumping to conclusions and interpretations. Be sure to give enough time for silent looking and thinking.
Work of Art
A specialist in still-life painting, Cristoforo Munari worked in Rome, Florence, and Pisa. His wealthy patrons included members of the powerful Medici family. Although we know little about his training, Munari was influenced by German and Dutch still-life painters, as well as the many Italian artists who specialized in still-life arrangements containing musical instruments. Toward the end of his life, Munari continued to paint while also restoring paintings for cathedrals throughout Italy.
Still Life with Musical Instruments features an array of luxurious goods, including an elegant Oriental tapestry, fruit of various seasons, musical and scientific instruments, Chinese porcelains, Mexican earthenware vases, Florentine vases, Venetian glassware, and rock crystal. Similar objects—such as the musical instruments and colorful fruit—are often seen in the still-life paintings that influenced Munari’s style.
Beyond its realistic depiction of these objects, the painting also serves as an allegory of the five senses. Hearing is represented by the recorder, violin and bow, and sheet music. Sight is associated with the mirror and the reflection from the glass and metalware, such as the inkpot at the right of the composition. Taste is symbolized by the fruit on the plate and the wine in the Venetian glass. Fruit and flowers allude to the sense of smell, a common association in this type of work. Touch is suggested by the texture of the Turkish carpet prominently displayed in the foreground. Known as a Star Ushak, this type of rug appears in both English and Dutch still-life paintings.
Like the Dutch still-life artists who influenced him, Munari included convincing details throughout his work. In this painting, subtle reflections and judiciously placed transparencies highlight the artist’s skill. Note the blue-and-white porcelain reflected in the pewter plate. The rich tones and varied surfaces are typical of Munari’s work. Notice the care with which he rendered the texture of the rug. Munari’s clientele admired his skill but also enjoyed the aura of elegance and prosperity associated with the luxurious goods he depicted.
Conversation
Subject Matter
Assessment
• What other objects could an artist use to illustrate the five senses? Create a still-life painting using varying objects to represent all five senses. Pay close attention to the composition and design. Can your friends and family members determine which sense is represented by each object?
• The powerful Medici family ruled Florence from the early 1400s to 1737. Research the Medicis and their role in Italian politics and culture. Why were they so important? Which artists did they support? What is their legacy?
Resources
Resources Available to Order
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