Artwork

Basket of Fruit

Basket of Fruit, by Edouard Manet, oil, 1864
Basket of Fruit, by Edouard Manet, oil, 1864

Basket of Fruit is an oil painting by the Realist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Basket of Fruit is an oil painting by Édouard Manet, created in 1864 and now held at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a still life featuring a wicker basket overflowing with a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes, arranged to create a sense of depth and texture.

Technique & Style

Manet's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that exploits strong contrasts between light and dark, effectively creates a sense of volume and depth. A muted grayish-brown background highlights the vibrant colors of the fruits, contributing to the overall simplicity and elegance of the composition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edouard Manet

Artist

Edouard Manet

Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.