Who painted Apples and Peaches on a Table?

Apples and Peaches on a Table was painted by Johan Hörner in 1744.

Where can I see Apples and Peaches on a Table?

Apples and Peaches on a Table is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Apples and Peaches on a Table?

Apples and Peaches on a Table is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Apples and Peaches on a Table

Johan Hörner , 1744

Apples and Peaches on a Table is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johan Hörner. It dates from 1744 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Johan Hörner’s 1744 oil on canvas, titled Apples and Peaches on a Table, presents a modest still‑life composition. The work shows a handful of apples and peaches arranged on a dark wooden surface, accompanied by a few scattered leaves. Rendered in a restrained palette of warm reds, muted greens and browns, the painting emphasizes the quiet presence of the fruit without decorative excess.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas focuses on everyday produce—apples rendered in deep red tones and peaches in subdued green‑brown hues—suggesting a contemplation of abundance and the fleeting nature of nourishment. The inclusion of only a few leaves adds a hint of vitality, while the unembellished setting invites viewers to consider the simple beauty of ordinary objects.

Technique & Style

Hörner employs a controlled chiaroscuro, allowing light to fall softly on the fruit and accentuate their texture against the dark wooden tabletop. The brushwork is precise yet restrained, capturing the subtle variations in skin and flesh. The overall approach mirrors the Dutch still‑life tradition of the 17th century, emphasizing realism and careful observation over dramatic flair.

History & Provenance

Created in 1744, the painting entered the collection of Denmark’s national gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s own workshop, with no recorded changes of ownership before its acquisition by the museum in the early 20th century.