Item Details:

STILL LIFE WITH A VASE OF FLOWERS AND BOWLS OF FRUIT ON A MARBLE TABLE

ANONYMOUS

AMERICAN FOLK ART, circa 1840

Original Oil Painting on Canvas

Size: 30.0 x 20.5 in; 76.2 x 52.1 cm

Excellent rendering, celebrating a colorful and bountiful harvest, and capturing all the warmth and charm of a naive but artful hand.

In the present work we find a lush orchard of symbolism, where each fruit narrates a tale of cultural heritage and profound meaning.

The symbolic meanings of fruits such as apples, grapes, citrus, pomegranates, berries, tropical fruits, and melons are deeply rooted in history and culture. Each fruit carries distinct symbolic connotations.  Apples often symbolize knowledge and temptation, as seen in the biblical story of Adam and Eve. Grapes can represent abundance and fertility, as evidenced by Dionysian rituals in ancient Greece where grapes were used to make wine. Citrus fruits stand for health, healing, and longevity, and have been used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. Pomegranates signify life and immortality, and are featured in many mythologies and religious stories. Berries are associated with youthfulness, good health, and modesty, and are commonly found in folk tales. Tropical fruits represent exoticism, luxury, and paradise, as they are often associated with tropical regions.  Melons, on the other hand, often symbolize fertility, water, or abundance, due to their high water content and large size.

Provenance: Private collection, Pennsylvania from whom the current owner obtained the work