Still Life: Flowers and Fruit

Severin Roesen

Created:
Movement:
1855
Realism
key Notes:
Opulent abundance; Lush realism
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Dimensions:
40 x 50 3/8 in. (101.6 x 128 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Still Life: Flowers and Fruit" is a painting by Severin Roesen, created between 1850 and 1855. Roesen was a German-American artist known for his still life compositions that often featured lush arrangements of flowers and fruit. This particular work exemplifies his mastery of color and texture, showcasing a vibrant palette and meticulous attention to detail. The painting reflects the 19th-century American fascination with nature and abundance, often associated with the still life genre. Roesen's works were influenced by both European traditions and the American market's tastes. The exact provenance of "Still Life: Flowers and Fruit" is not well-documented, and specific details regarding its exhibition history remain unknown. Roesen's contributions to American still life painting have been recognized in various exhibitions and collections, solidifying his place in the art historical canon.

Description of the work:

"Still Life: Flowers and Fruit" by Severin Roesen, created between 1850 and 1855, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's mastery of still life composition. The work features a vibrant arrangement of flowers and fruit, showcasing a rich palette that includes deep reds, bright yellows, and lush greens. The flowers are depicted with intricate detail, capturing their delicate petals and varied textures, while the fruit displays a realistic sheen that suggests ripeness and freshness. The composition is balanced, with the flowers arranged in a vase at the center, surrounded by an assortment of fruits, including grapes, peaches, and apples, which are placed on a draped table. The background is softly rendered, allowing the foreground elements to stand out prominently. Roesen's use of light enhances the three-dimensionality of the objects, creating a sense of depth and inviting the viewer to engage with the scene. The overall effect is one of abundance and natural beauty, characteristic of the artist's approach to still life painting.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Still Life: Flowers and Fruit