19th century, Still life with fruit

19th century Still life with fruit Oil on canvas, 64 x 52 cm     The still life analyzed presents a mixture of floral elements and fruits arranged in a circular order on a table covered with a green cloth. The left part of the canvas is occupied by an elegant vase, minutely reproduced in its sinuous decorations, inside which a cascade of flowers has been carefully arranged; roses, anemones and tulips can be recognized. Next to the base of the vase there is a wicker basket inside which ripe figs have been distributed, the skins of which have cracked, revealing the reddish pulp, and a large bunch of white grapes, typical fruits that mark the end of summer. Some citrus fruits are arranged on the sides of the basket, a lemon on the left and four oranges on the right. In the background a large and rounded watermelon has been deprived of a large slice, thus highlighting the juicy pinkish pulp inside. The smooth skin of the watermelon is surmounted by a bunch of dark grapes. The grapes are struck by a beam of light, which highlights their shapes and makes them emerge from the dark and uniform background, thus taking up the Caravaggio lesson. The canvas is characterized by a lively, as well as varied, chromatic palette.