Artwork

Früchtestilleben

Früchtestilleben, by Unknown, unspecified, 1745
Früchtestilleben, by Unknown, unspecified, 1745

Früchtestilleben is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

A cloth partially covers the tabletop, while a basket holds additional items, and nearby sit glasses, a plate, and a small knife.

Früchtestilleben is a painted still life that arranges a variety of foodstuffs on a wooden table. Central to the composition is a large roasted bird, surrounded by a sliced melon, apples, onions, and potatoes. A cloth partially covers the tabletop, while a basket holds additional items, and nearby sit glasses, a plate, and a small knife. The backdrop consists of dark wooden paneling and a modest painting hung on the wall.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents an abundance of everyday provisions, emphasizing the tactile qualities of each object. By juxtaposing cooked meat with fresh fruit and vegetables, the painting reflects themes of nourishment and the domestic sphere, inviting viewers to contemplate the sensory experience of a modest feast.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the surfaces of the food. Highlights catch the glossy skins of the melon and the sheen of the roasted bird, while deep shadows define the folds of the cloth and the interior of the basket, creating a three‑dimensional illusion that enhances the realism of the scene.

History & Provenance

The painting is catalogued under the title Früchtestilleben, though no specific date or artist is recorded in the provided information. Its provenance, including previous owners or exhibition history, is not detailed in the source material.

Context

Still life paintings of food were common in European art from the 17th century onward, often serving both decorative and didactic purposes. The inclusion of a small wall painting within the composition reflects a practice of embedding secondary artworks to enrich the visual narrative.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known