Still Life with Conch Shell Starfish and a Glass of Wine Maureen Hyde

The composition presents a still life arranged on a dark, horizontal surface. A large conch shell dominates the right side of the scene, its spiraling form rendered with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the subtle gradations in color and texture across its surface. The shell’s interior reflects light, creating a luminous quality that contrasts with the surrounding shadows.
To the left of the shell, a stemmed glass filled with wine stands upright. Its metallic sheen is captured through careful rendering of highlights and reflections, suggesting a certain opulence or refinement. Beneath the glass, a small stack of books rests against it, their spines largely obscured by shadow, hinting at knowledge or contemplation. Two starfish are positioned near the base of the shell, adding an element of marine life to the arrangement.
The background is deeply shadowed, almost entirely black, which serves to isolate and emphasize the objects in the foreground. This darkness contributes to a sense of mystery and stillness, drawing the viewer’s attention solely to the carefully selected items. The artist employed a limited palette, primarily relying on browns, reds, creams, and subtle touches of gold, creating a warm, muted atmosphere.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the painting evokes themes of transience and contemplation. The conch shell, a relic of marine life, suggests the passage of time and the impermanence of natural beauty. The wine glass implies indulgence or celebration, while the books introduce an intellectual dimension. The starfish, delicate and vulnerable, further reinforce the theme of fragility.
The arrangement itself feels deliberate, almost staged, suggesting a meditation on mortality, pleasure, knowledge, and the inherent beauty found in commonplace objects. There is a quiet dignity to the scene, inviting reflection upon the fleeting nature of existence and the enduring power of observation.