This beautiful early 20th-century still life by Austrian artist Karl Hayd (1882-1945) depicts a bowl of deliciously ripe strawberries, a tea service and two glasses of fresh cream. It’s a blissful image, a moment of quiet decadence.

Hayd led a fascinating life and experienced the best and worst of times. He’s predominantly known for his depictions of the First World War, which are accurate, macabre and chilling - a far stretch from the decorative table setting we see here. But he’s also noted as an acquaintance of Egon Schiele (1890-1918) who he met around 1908.

It’s interesting to consider how some artists chose to depict their trauma so viscerally through expressive, often disturbing, works laden with expression. Whereas others, like Hayd, opted to paint joy - perhaps for an escape.

Signed in the lower left and framed.

Learn more about Karl Hayd in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 22” / 63cm x 56cm
Year of creation: c. 1935
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £4,708 achieved for an oil painting in 2011.