Spanish school following 17th century models; 18th century.
"Still life of fruit".
Oil on canvas. Re-drawn.
Size: 52 x 67 cm; 76 x 92 cm (frame).
On a table placed in the foreground the artist has placed a big still life formed by vases, oranges, peaches and plums. Behind these fruits, a neutral background can be seen, which manages to monumentalise the elements that form part of the foreground. One of the notable aspects of the work, which aesthetically follows Baroque precepts with the elements in the foreground, an artificial light directed towards the centre, as well as the use of a palette of ochre and earthy tones typical of the Spanish school, lies largely in the presence of the pomegranate. This fruit goes almost unnoticed as it is in semi-darkness on the right-hand side of the composition, but its presence indicates a symbolic character that refers to the resurrection of Christ, as iconographically this fruit is related to the biblical story. This type of allusion to religion or a symbolic conception of moral depth was a hallmark of the Spanish school. Although the inspiration of the still life tradition is clear, an air of modernity can also be seen in the oil painting, as the creation of the Academies in the 18th century consolidated the consideration of the still life as a minor genre, its success rooted in the preceding century did not diminish, both for the decorative value of this type of work and for the high quality of the painters specialising in the genre.
The still life in Spain was one of the most characteristic genres and, owing to its special characteristics, is clearly distinguishable from the same subject in workshops in the rest of Europe. The term appeared at the end of the 16th century, and is notable in this school for its austerity, in clear contrast to Flemish sumptuousness, although with a series of influences from the latter and the Italian school. Highly appreciated within the antiquarian market, as well as among collectors and art historians, the Spanish Baroque still life school enjoyed a spectacular development, leaving behind the splendour of the 16th century and progressing within a fully Baroque and clearly identifiable style. In Spain, the development of the genre was clearly marked by Italian influence, specifically the contribution of the Neapolitan school. Today this school is considered one of the most outstanding in Baroque still life painting.