This enchanting 18th-century vanitas depicts an arrangement of fruit including grapes, peach, apple and berries. There’s also a mouse nibbling away at some bread.

Vanitas still lifes convey a sense of life’s mortality and the worthlessness of material pleasures. They often include direct references to decay, such as skulls and rotting fruit, but may also include books, wine and other ephemera. The term itself originates from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible: ‘Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’

Housed within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 24” x 19” / 61cm x 49cm
Year of creation: c. 1770
Condition: Minor paint loss and abrasions. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure. Frame with some light wear.