Among the pictorial genres, "still life", which depicts in detail the common objects of domestic life (fruit, vegetables, food, but also animals and tableware), holds an important place. It is an art form which gives us valuable insights into changes of mentality and philosophy. Each still life is emblematic of a specific time and place and of a certain metaphysical perspective. This condensed, well-priced overview of the genre features some sixty works from antiquity to the present and analyzes the history and significance of each.