Still Life with a Basket of Fruit, Flowers, and Cornucopia
Attributedattributed to
Joseph Proctor
(American, active 1860)
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Date19th century
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsframe: 46 x 48 x 1 1/2 in. (116.8 x 121.9 x 3.8 cm.)
DescriptionLarge painting of a still life with basket of fruit, vase of flowers center, a large watermelon on a plate and cornucopia at right, against a dark background; American School, possibly Joseph Proctor. Unsigned, possibly the work of Joseph Proctor, who reportedly was an artist working in New York in the mid-19th century.
SignedUnsigned.
Credit LineJonathan and Karin Fielding Collection
Label TextThis unusually large and exuberant still life has been attributed to Joseph Proctor, an African-American artist active in New York state. The flower stems are weighed down by healthy blooms, a yellow bird is about to pluck a juicy grape, the watermelon is sliced and ready to eat, and ripe peaches and pineapples have been gathered. This is a picture of material plenty and gustatory excess. Little is known about Proctor, and only a handful of works have been attributed to him. In the 1860 census, Proctor is recorded as an "artist" and his wife Sophia a "housekeeper" in New York City's Lower East Side.Status
On viewObject numberL2015.41.171
