Still Life with Fruit
Maker
Jacob van Walscapelle
(Dutch, 1644 - 1727)
Collections
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Datemid 17th-early 18th Century
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions24 5/8 x 19 in. (62.5 x 48.3 cm.)
frame: 33 1/8 x 27 1/2 in. (84.1 x 69.9 cm.)
SignedSigned in lower right of recto in dark gray paint: Jacob Walscapelle [illegible]
InscribedSigned in lower right of recto in dark gray paint: Jacob Walscapelle [illegible]
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of John and Mary Ann Sturgeon
Label TextDutch still lifes often focus on the theme of the brevity of life. The inclusion of insects next to the luscious peaches, melon, grapes, and berries in this painting is meant suggest the fruit’s eventual decay. In addition, the grapes and the stalk of wheat—materials of wine and bread—may represent the Eucharist as the blood and body of Christ, in which case the painting would have led the viewer to contemplate Christ's sacrifice and eventual rebirth.Status
On viewObject number2011.2
Joseph Proctor
19th century
Object number: L2015.41.171
