What subjects appear in these paintings?

These works primarily depict arrangements of fruit such as apples, grapes, melons, and berries, often placed within wicker baskets or ceramic vases. Additional elements like flowers, birds, and architectural backgrounds frequently complement the central harvest theme. Such compositions draw on long artistic traditions of still life, presenting the produce with careful attention to light, texture, and natural detail.

How do I hang a large canvas?

Large oil paintings require secure wall fixings suited to the combined weight of the heavy canvas, stretcher frames, and ornate gilded wood surrounds. Position the piece at eye level where adequate ambient light can reveal the subtle tones within the brushwork. Avoid placing these works in direct sunlight or areas of high humidity to protect the integrity of the oil paint and canvas over time.

How are different centuries distinguished?

Clues to a painting's age lie in the stretcher construction, canvas texture, frame style, and the specific characteristics of the pigment. Seventeenth-century works often display darker, dramatic baroque lighting, whereas Victorian and Edwardian examples lean towards brighter realism. Signatures, dealer labels, and historical framing techniques further help to place an artwork within its correct period.

What is classical realism?

Classical realism is an aesthetic approach centred on the faithful depiction of physical reality without modern abstraction. Artists working in this manner prioritised accurate proportions, convincing textures, and believable illumination. In the context of still life, this means fruit and foliage rendered to look tactile and immediate to the viewer.