Artwork
Stillleben mit Früchten
Stillleben mit Früchten is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Maximilian Pfeiler. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1701, this oil painting by Maximilian Pfeiler presents a meticulously arranged still life. The composition centers on a tabletop laden with a glass of wine, a plate bearing pears, apples and grapes, and a bowl containing a melon‑like fruit. A delicate lace drape partially covers the arrangement, while a deep, shadowed background isolates the objects, emphasizing their materiality.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts an abundance of fresh produce and drink, a common motif in early‑18th‑century Northern European still lifes that celebrated domestic prosperity and the fleeting nature of nourishment. The inclusion of both stone‑fruit and citrus suggests a subtle reference to seasonal cycles and the sensory pleasures of the table.
Technique & Style
Pfeiler employs pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting bright illumination on the fruit and glass with the enveloping darkness behind them. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional illusion, rendering the textures of skin, rind and fabric with tactile precision. The brushwork remains controlled, favoring smooth surfaces that enhance the realistic rendering of the objects.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. Its provenance prior to acquisition by the museum is not extensively documented, but the work has been attributed to Pfeiler based on stylistic analysis and dated signatures corresponding to the year 1701.
Context
Executed during a period when German still‑life painters were increasingly influenced by Dutch realism, the piece reflects the cross‑regional exchange of compositional models. The emphasis on everyday luxury aligns with contemporary tastes for detailed, morally instructive depictions of material wealth.
Artist & collection
