Something Fishy?

Drawing activity suitable for all ages.

Johannes Pietersz Fabritius’s Still Life: Fish

Johannes Pietersz Fabritius, Still Life: Fish, 17th century. Oil on canvas, 110.5 x 150.5 cm. Purchase, Laidlaw Foundation, 1966. © Art Gallery of Ontario. 65/55.

This painting is known as a still life, or a picture of everyday objects. This kind of artwork is a chance for artists to show off their skills by painting different textures and lighting.

About Johannes Pietersz Fabritius

Johannes Fabritius (1636 – likely around 1693) painted during the Dutch Golden Age. This was a time throughout the 1600s when art, trade and science in the Netherlands were the most powerful in the world. Fabritius, known for his still life paintings, often captured the abundance of Dutch life and trade at the time with his paintbrush.

ACTIVITIES

Questions

What do you think this painting would smell like if it came to life?

How many sea creatures can you find in this painting? * (Find the answer in the PDF activity card, below).

Draw it

Draw your own still life and be sure to include an object that has a unique smell to your artwork (it doesn’t have to smell fishy!). Show off your still life skills.

If you have access to a printer, print the activity card.
If you do not have access to a printer, follow along and draw your artworks using paper you have available at home.
Make your artwork as realistic or not as you wish!

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