Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Still Life with Can

Lyonel Feininger, 1917

Name Class Date
Lyonel Feininger, Still Life with Can (1917). Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Lyonel Feininger originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/lyonel-feininger/
Artist’s dates
1871 – 1956
Painted
1917
Movement
Expressionism Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness.

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Lyonel Feininger died in 1956; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2026.

Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 8, 2026

Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger

When was this painted?

  1. 1870
  2. 1880
  3. 1890
  4. 1900
  5. 1910
  6. 1920
  7. 1930
  8. 1940
  9. 1950

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 85 at death.

Painted when the artist was 46. The artist lived to 85. 5 of the 10 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956) ▲ this work, 1917 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1911 Main working years: 1911–1937 Late works: from 1937

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

  • Carnival in Arcueil, 1911 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-carnival-in-arcueil-8XX5W2-en/
  • Carnival originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-carnival-8LSKQ5-en/
  • Blue Coast originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-blue-coast-8LSKPT-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Phthalo Green #251a13

    Catalogued palette

    • #251A13
    • #EBD584
    • #CB9E51
    • #745837

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Phthalo Green
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Lyonel Feininger over the last twelve months — 15 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 32.8%2,000 visits
    2. 2 Germany 27.9%1,700 visits
    3. 3 United States of America 18.0%1,100 visits
    4. 4 Belgium 3.3%200 visits
    5. 5 Argentina 1.6%100 visits
    6. 6 Canada 1.6%100 visits
    7. 7 Czechia 1.6%100 visits
    8. 8 Estonia 1.6%100 visits
    9. 9 France 1.6%100 visits
    10. 10 United Kingdom 1.6%100 visits
    11. · 5 other countries 8.4%500 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by Lyonel Feininger

    1. 1 The honeymooners 12.9%1,200 visits
    2. 2 Jesuits III, 1915 6.5%600 visits
    3. 3 Gelmeroda IX 6.5%600 visits
    4. 4 Blue Coast 6.5%600 visits
    5. 5 Gelmeroda, VIII 4.3%400 visits
    6. 6 Carnival in Arcueil, 1911 3.2%300 visits
    7. 7 Carnival 3.2%300 visits
    8. 8 Architecture II (Man of Potin) 3.2%300 visits
    9. 9 Nacht 3.2%300 visits
    10. 10 Boats, 1917 2.2%200 visits
    11. 11 On the Bridge (Ober-Weimar), 1913 2.2%200 visits
    12. 12 Gaberndorf II 2.2%200 visits
    13. 13 Darkened street 2.2%200 visits
    14. 14 The red violonist 2.2%200 visits
    15. 15 Karneval in Gelmeroda II 2.2%200 visits
    16. 16 Fishing boats 1 2.2%200 visits
    17. 17 Manhattan Towers 2.2%200 visits
    18. 18 Merry Xmas 1 2.2%200 visits
    19. 19 Stranded 2.2%200 visits
    20. — Still Life with Can, 1917 this painting 0.0%0 visits

    Together these works take 71.5% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 155 works by this artist, of which 43 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 8, 2026

    Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger

    Lyonel Feininger's Still Life with Can is a quintessential example of Expressionist art, characterized by its bold colors and distorted forms. Created in 1917, this oil on canvas painting showcases the artist's unique style, which blends elements of Cubism and Fauvism. The still life composition features a vase with fruit, including apples and oranges, surrounded by other objects such as bowls and cups.

    Expressionist Style

    The Expressionist movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, emphasized the expression of intense emotions and inner experiences. Lyonel Feininger's work is a prime example of this style, with its vibrant colors and distorted forms creating a sense of tension and energy. The Still Life with Can painting is no exception, with its bold brushstrokes and clashing colors evoking a sense of dynamic movement.

    Influences and Inspirations

    Lyonel Feininger's work was influenced by various artists and movements, including Pablo Picasso and the Cubist movement. The Still Life with Can painting also reflects the artist's interest in architecture and the sea, with its geometric forms and muted color palette. For more information on Lyonel Feininger's life and work, visit /en/art/show/art-aq7ftw-en/

    Key Features: Bold colors, distorted forms, and a sense of dynamic movement.

    Influences: Cubism, Fauvism, and architecture.

    Style: Expressionist, with elements of Cubism and Fauvism.

    For more information on Expressionist art and Lyonel Feininger's work, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyonel_Feininger. To view more paintings by Lyonel Feininger, including Still Life with Can, visit /art/list/?Filter=AQ7FTW-Lyonel-Feininger-Still-Life-with-Can.

    The Museum Formerly Collection Bernhard Koehler in Berlin, Germany, is also a great resource for learning about Expressionist art and Lyonel Feininger's work. For more information, visit /art/list/?Filter=A@D3BMNH-The-Museum-Formerly-Collection-Bernhard-Koehler-(Berlin-Germany).

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 8, 2026

    Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Lyonel Feininger

    Born in New York, United States of America

    Early Life and Career: From Caricaturist to Fine Artist

    Birth and Family: Lyonel Charles Adrian Feininger was born on July 17, 1871, in New York City. His father, Karl Feininger, was a German-American violinist and composer, and his mother, Elizabeth Feininger, was an American singer. This artistic background significantly influenced his early development.

    Early Education and European Travels: In 1887, at the age of 16, Feininger traveled to Europe to study music but soon shifted his focus to art. He studied drawing in Hamburg and Berlin.

    Commercial Art Career: From 1894 onwards, Feininger established a successful career as a caricaturist for various German, French, and American magazines. His comic strips, such as "The Kin-der-Kids" and "Wee Willie Winkie's World," gained considerable popularity and showcased his unique graphic style.

    Transition to Fine Art: After a 20-year stint in commercial art, Feininger transitioned to fine art at the age of 36. This marked a significant turning point in his artistic journey.

    Expressionism and Bauhaus Influence

    Joining Expressionist Groups: Feininger became a leading exponent of Expressionism, joining influential groups like Die Brücke, Novembergruppe, and Gruppe 1919. His work during this period reflected the movement's emphasis on emotional expression and subjective experience.

    First Solo Exhibition: His first solo exhibition at the Sturm Gallery in Berlin (1917) was a pivotal moment, establishing him as a prominent figure in the art world.

    Bauhaus Master: In 1919, Walter Gropius appointed Feininger as the first faculty member at the Bauhaus, a groundbreaking school of art and design. He served as the master artist in charge of the printmaking workshop, significantly influencing numerous students.

    Artistic Style: His work was characterized by prismatically broken forms, translucent colors, and references to architecture and the sea, aligning him with classical modernism.

    Major Works and Artistic Development

    Early Marine Paintings: During summer vacations on the island of Usedom (1909-1918), Feininger created numerous marine paintings depicting the Baltic Sea, showcasing his evolving style.

    Notable Works: Some of his significant works include "Werder I" (watercolor), "Gaberndorf II" (paper), and "Boats" (cubism, oil on canvas). These pieces exemplify his unique blend of Expressionist techniques and architectural themes.

    Photographic Works: Between 1928 and the mid-1950s, Feininger produced a substantial body of photographic works, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

    Musical Compositions: He also composed several piano pieces and fugues for organ, revealing another facet of his artistic talent.

    Later Years and Legacy

    Emigration to the United States: Due to the rise of the Nazi Party in 1933, Feininger emigrated to the United States with his wife.

    Continued Artistic Practice: He continued painting and creating art throughout his life, maintaining a distinctive style.

    Death and Recognition: Lyonel Feininger died on January 13, 1956. His work has left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring artists and enthusiasts alike with its unique blend of Expressionism, graphic experimentation, and architectural themes.

    Historical Significance: As a key figure in both Expressionism and the Bauhaus movement, Feininger's contributions significantly shaped the course of modern art. His innovative use of color, form, and perspective continues to resonate with audiences today.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Lyonel Feininger originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/lyonel-feininger/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Still Life with Can

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Feininger, Lyonel. Still Life with Can. 1917, https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/
    APA
    Feininger, Lyonel (1917). Still Life with Can [Painting]. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/
    Chicago
    Lyonel Feininger. Still Life with Can. 1917. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/
    Harvard
    Feininger, Lyonel (1917) Still Life with Can. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/lyonel-feininger-still-life-with-can-AQ7FTW-en/

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 8, 2026

    Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: life. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Carnival in Arcueil (1911), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Expressionism: Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: OriginalUniqueArt.com — accessed Oct. 8, 2026

    Still Life with Can — Lyonel Feininger Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    How strong are the colors of "Still Life with Can"?

    The colors of "Still Life with Can" by Lyonel Feininger show a clear color presence saturation with a vivid intensity.

    From which country does the Expressionism work "Still Life with Can" come?

    The Expressionism work "Still Life with Can" was made by an artist born in United States of America.

    Can I see "Still Life with Can" by Lyonel Feininger on my own wall before buying?

    "Still Life with Can" by Lyonel Feininger can be previewed on your own wall with the artwork's AR Preview page, using augmented reality on a compatible device.