Artwork
Zarzăre (Zarzăre mari cu farfurie)
Zarzăre (Zarzăre mari cu farfurie) is an unspecified painting by Stahi D. Constantin. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Moldova National Museum Complex. Created around 1850 by the Romanian artist D.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1850 by the Romanian artist D. Constantin Stahi, this still‑life presents a modest arrangement of fruit on a shallow blue dish. The composition centers on a cluster of plums, some whole and others halved to reveal their dark interiors, placed upon a dark, textured surface with a few stray pieces scattered nearby.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts ordinary kitchen objects—a simple plate and ripe plums—elevated through careful observation. By focusing on the fruit’s varied colors, blemishes and the subtle contrast between flesh and seed, the artist invites contemplation of everyday abundance and the quiet beauty of commonplace items.
Technique & Style
Stahi employs a restrained palette and soft illumination, allowing shadows to merge gently with form rather than cut sharply across the scene. The handling of light creates a modest chiaroscuro effect, giving the plums a three‑dimensional presence while preserving a calm, almost tactile surface quality.
History & Provenance
The painting originates from the mid‑nineteenth century, a period when Romanian artists increasingly explored genre and still‑life subjects. Documentation of its ownership history is limited, but the piece is attributed to Stahi based on stylistic analysis and the approximate date of execution.
Artist & collection
Artist
Stahi D. Constantin printed quiet portraits and gentle scenes in 19th-century Romanian ink and paint. Look for his family studies like Preotul Dimitrie Stahi (Tatăl artistului) and tender figures such as June (șovăind)…
