Still Life with Strawberries

Severin Roesen

Created:
Movement:
1870
Realism
key Notes:
Lush abundance; meticulous detail.
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Dimensions:
Oval: 16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on board with gold leaf frame
story of the work:

"Still Life with Strawberries" is a painting by Severin Roesen, created between 1865 and 1870. Roesen was a German-American artist known for his still life compositions that often featured lush fruits and flowers. This particular work exemplifies his skill in rendering textures and colors, showcasing ripe strawberries alongside other fruits. 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 depicted. The exact provenance of "Still Life with Strawberries" is not well-documented. Roesen's works are held in various museum collections, contributing to the understanding of still life in American art.

Description of the work:

"Still Life with Strawberries" by Severin Roesen, created between 1865 and 1870, is an oil on board painting that exemplifies the artist's mastery of still life composition. The work features a vibrant arrangement of strawberries, displayed prominently in a decorative bowl, which captures the viewer's attention with its rich red hues. The strawberries are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing their texture and natural glossiness, while the surrounding foliage adds a lush green contrast. The background is softly blurred, enhancing the focus on the fruit and creating a sense of depth. The use of gold leaf in the frame complements the opulence of the composition, reflecting the 19th-century aesthetic of luxury and abundance. Roesen's technique demonstrates a keen understanding of light and shadow, contributing to the three-dimensional quality of the objects depicted. The overall composition is harmonious, with a balance between the elements that invites contemplation of the beauty of nature.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Still Life with Strawberries