18th-century Flemish Still Life with Fruit, Flowers & Foliage - Antique Oil Painting

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This enchanting 18th-century still life depicts a variety of fruit, flowers and foliage set upon a marble plinth. It’s nicely rendered and carries an intriguing appeal.

Its unusual beauty arises from its contortions and twisted branches. Unlike many still lifes from the period, it doesn’t attempt to be tidy - it’s not abundant with the delights of Spring. Instead, it displays a natural quality, with the fruit decaying in places and the leaves curiously wilting. It’s an entangled truth. The product of a hidden garden.

Still lifes such as this often carry a deeper meaning that extends beyond the aesthetic alone. Oftentimes, they reference the fleeting nature of life and the temporary gains of material pleasures. But here, perhaps the artist is suggesting something about their own character. Is it the product of a wilder mind? An outlier? One of nature’s tangled branches?

Monogrammed/dated in the lower right and housed within a splendid Baroque revival frame.

Medium: Oil on panel

Overall size: 17” x 19 ½” / 43cm x 50cm

Year of creation: c. 1756

Condition: Artwork presents well. Craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

50cm (19.69")

Width

43cm (16.93")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA894022

Description

This enchanting 18th-century still life depicts a variety of fruit, flowers and foliage set upon a marble plinth. It’s nicely rendered and carries an intriguing appeal.

Its unusual beauty arises from its contortions and twisted branches.

“

Unlike many still lifes from the period, it doesn’t attempt to be tidy - it’s not abundant with the delights of Spring.

Brave Fine Art

Instead, it displays a natural quality, with the fruit decaying in places and the leaves curiously wilting. It’s an entangled truth. The product of a hidden garden.

fig 1. 18th-Century Flemish Still Life With Fruit, Flowers & Foliage - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. 18th-century Flemish Still Life with Fruit, Flowers & Foliage - Antique Oil Painting

Still lifes such as this often carry a deeper meaning that extends beyond the aesthetic alone. Oftentimes, they reference the fleeting nature of life and the temporary gains of material pleasures. But here, perhaps the artist is suggesting something about their own character. Is it the product of a wilder mind? An outlier? One of nature’s tangled branches?