Still Life: Fruit

Severin Roesen

Created:
Movement:
1855
Realism
key Notes:
Lush abundance, meticulous detail.
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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: Fruit" is a painting by Severin Roesen, created between 1850 and 1855. Roesen was a German-American artist known for his still life compositions, particularly those featuring fruit. This work exemplifies the artist's skill in rendering vibrant colors and intricate details, showcasing a variety of fruits arranged in a harmonious composition. The painting reflects the 19th-century American taste for opulent still lifes, influenced by European traditions. Roesen's use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the objects, creating a sense of realism. The exact provenance of "Still Life: Fruit" is not well-documented, and specific details about its exhibition history remain unknown. Roesen's works are often celebrated for their technical proficiency and aesthetic appeal, contributing to the genre of still life in American art.

Description of the work:

"Still Life: 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 an abundant arrangement of various fruits, including grapes, peaches, and apples, displayed on a richly textured tablecloth. The vibrant colors of the fruit are rendered with a high degree of realism, showcasing Roesen's skill in capturing light and texture. The background is softly blurred, directing the viewer's focus to the foreground arrangement. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensionality of the objects, creating a sense of depth. The overall composition is balanced and harmonious, reflecting the artist's attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility. The painting embodies the 19th-century American still life tradition, emphasizing both natural beauty and abundance.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Still Life: Fruit