Still Life with Sardines and Sea-Urchins by Adolphe Joseph Thomas Monticelli. An impressionistic still life painting featuring sardines and sea urchins rendered with thick, expressive brushstrokes in earthy tones of gold, brown, and deep green.

Still Life with Sardines and Sea-Urchins

Adolphe Joseph Thomas Monticelli

1881 · Oil Paint, Panel

A richly textured oil study of sea life, capturing tactile energy through heavy impasto and a warm, atmospheric palette.

$129

For the selected configuration

From $129

6 frame sizes

Frame size
Frame color
Mount
Paper type
Glaze

Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A substantial, grounding work in a warmer tonal register — holds its place without needing much around it.

Often works in
Study · Dining Room · Kitchen
Placement
Strongest on wider walls where it can anchor the room
Walls
Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
Color notes
Charcoal black, Rich brown, Olive green

About the piece

Painted in 1881 by Adolphe Monticelli, this still life showcases the artist's signature heavy impasto technique, which famously served as a major inspiration for Vincent van Gogh. The composition of sardines and sea urchins emerges from a dark, brooding background, using luminous strokes of ochre, amber, and deep mossy greens to create a sense of depth and rustic elegance.

More like this

Sleeping Woman on a Bed

Contains nudity

Figure Studies

Sleeping Woman on a Bed

Pierre Bonnard

This intimate Post-Impressionist work captures a moment of deep repose with a warm, atmospheric palette.