The Ray
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin · 1727
Why it's great
A skate fish hangs open on a hook, a cat arches its back at the sight, and oysters lie on a kitchen table. Chardin painted this at 28, and it won him membership in the French Academy. The colors, textures and shapes are magical. It's one of the greatest still lifes ever painted.
Where to see it
📍 Louvre MuseumParis, France
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin was born in Paris, the son of a cabinet-maker. He became one of the greatest painters of still lifes and quiet scenes of everyday life in 1700s France. He worked slowly and carefully with a soft touch. He spent his entire life in Paris.
