This accomplished mid-19th-century German oil painting depicts an arrangement of fruit, nuts and flora, including plums, grapes, gooseberries, roses and walnuts. It’s monogrammed C.L. and bears a Frankfurt label on the reverse.
Produced in 1835, this exquisitely rendered ensemble conveys the ample joys of nature’s bounty while simultaneously weaving together hidden symbolic references. It’s a fine example from the period and its spirit is bound to the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age.
Stylistically, it’s a little reminiscent of works by Balthasar van der Ast (1593/94-1657) and it’s highly conceivable that the artist studied his oeuvre during their academic training. One such German who modelled his style on the Dutch masters was Johann Wilhelm Preyer (1803-1889), who trained at the Düsseldorf Kunstakademie before travelling to The Hague and Amsterdam.
The precise handling evidenced in this piece, coupled with its skilful description of light and shade, results in a three-dimensional effect, as if the platter is emerging into one’s room. It’s a celebratory feast for the eyes - a veritable smorgasbord of colour and texture.
But aside from its aesthetic qualities, if we delve a little deeper, there are symbolic connotations to stimulate the mind. Pears, for example, often represent fertility due to the associations of their shape with the female form. And walnuts, along with representing discernment, also carry symbolic undertones relating to the male anatomy. Given the proximity of the pears and the walnuts, coupled with the presence of roses, is this perhaps a representation of fertility and love?
Monogrammed, dated and held in a period gilt frame, which could be original.
Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas
Overall size: 18” x 15½” / 46cm x 39cm
Year of creation: 1835
Labels & Inscriptions: Frankfurt-based supplier’s label on the reverse, which is partially legible and reads ‘Hummel’.
Provenance: Private collection, Vienna, Austria.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2116
