Artwork
An Abundance of Fruit

An Abundance of Fruit is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Severin Roesen. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
An Abundance of Fruit is an oil on canvas painting by Severin Roesen, featuring a vibrant arrangement of various fruits on a marble slab, showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The painting symbolizes nature's abundance, with an elaborate display of fruits, potentially reflecting the appreciation for prosperity among Roesen's patrons, largely German immigrant brewery operators in Pennsylvania.
Technique & Style
Roesen's use of fine detail, to the point of appearing artificial, highlights his skill. The painting's realism was likely achieved through techniques such as glazing, which would have enhanced the depth and luminosity of the fruit.
History & Provenance
Created after Roesen's 1848 immigration to the U.S., the painting may have been displayed in a public tavern or restaurant in Pennsylvania, possibly exchanged for beer, reflecting the artist's local patronage.
Context
Unlike typical 19th-century still lifes found in domestic settings, this work was likely intended for public spaces. Its existence also contrasts with the contemporaneous American temperance movement, aligning instead with the lifestyle of Roesen and his patrons.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of 'An Abundance of Fruit' are not provided, it contributes to the broader understanding of 19th-century American still-life painting and the cultural exchange facilitated by immigrant artists like Roesen.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Severin Roesen (c. 1815 in Boppard – c. 1872) was a Prussian-American painter known for his abundant fruit and flower still lifes, and is today recognized as one of the major American painters in that genre from the nineteenth century.


















