Hey everyone! This week I’m talking about still life paintings, new year, new you, so let’s add some juicy looking fruit to your homes. As they say “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” so let’s get into it! Following the hierarchy of art established in the 17th century, still life paintings came in dead last. Landscapes were kind of on the same level for the same reason, but still lifes took the brunt of it. The subject matter was not seen as an important part of the art world solely because it lacked human figures. However, at the same time within the same century, vanitas and memento mori paintings were becoming increasingly popular depicting rotting fruits, flowers, and images of death despite being viewed academically as lowly art. The popularity of still life paintings in this sense grew up until nonobjective paintings climbed its way into prominence after World War II. In our upcoming February estate auction, we have a decently large selection of fruit themed still lifes by many prominent artists. Whether it be the dreamy translucent allure of red currents by Emma Levinia Swan or a smattering of juicy red strawberries among bundles of shining grapes by Horace Burdick, we have something just for you. If you are looking for more local artists, we are offering a selection of paintings by Fall River School artists such as Robert Spear Dunning, Bryant Chapin and Edward Leavitt. Dunning along with artist John E. Grouard were founders of the Fall River School, Dunning continuing to work in Fall River and teaching. Dunning was able to sell both still life and landscape paintings during a time when these subjects were falling out of favor. One of Dunning’s students was Bryant Chapin who was greatly influenced by Dunning’s work. We have two works by Chapin coming up of ripe strawberries and juicy peeled orange slices. Fall River School paintings are well known for their texture and light that give these life-like qualities in their imagery. Light reflecting off heavy cut crystal, reflections off metal serving trays, and water droplets on the surface of the fruit evoke a life like quality. The addition of honeycomb in Fall River School paintings is another telltale sign of this group of artists, adding a little bit of flare to their compositions. So come on, don’t be shy, be sure to check out these amazing works by these prolific artists in our next upcoming estate auction!
