A fine oil on canvas still life painting. The painting shows a typical still life grouping of fruit (grapes, apples, oranges, and bananas) nuts and a wine bottle and glass. The two porcelain comports are interesting additions as the idea was to create a group with as varied colours and textures as possible. The painting is stencilled on the reverse with E.S.K. this is the mark of the Royal Academy Schools and indicate that the artist studied there, it also explains the lack of a signature as exam pieces where not allowed to be signed. The quality of the work shows that it was painted to impress, I particularly like the fact the artist has painted the crack in the porcelain comport in the background. The painting has been professionally cleaned and is in excellent condition. The work retains the original gilt frame which has a great Arts and Crafts, WIlliam Morris feel to it with the design of trailing pomegranates. The whole is in excellent condition, has a great decorative appeal and ...