Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket, 1824 oil on wood James Peale (artist) American, 1749 – 1831
When you think of American art, what comes to mind? Perhaps the paintings of the Hudson River School, or the iconic pop art of Andy Warhol. But American art is so much more than that. It encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, from portrait painting to still lifes. One of the most intriguing examples of American art is James Peale’s “Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket.” This 1824 oil painting on wood depicts a beautiful array of fruit, arranged in a Chinese export basket. The painting is a fascinating example of early American still life painting, which was influenced by both European and Asian traditions. If you’re interested in learning more about American art, be sure to check out this blog post. We explore the history and evolution of American art, from the colonial period to the present day.
The painting and the artist
Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket is an oil painting on wood by American artist James Peale. The painting features a still life of fruit in a Chinese export basket. The basket is filled with various fruits, including grapes, apples, pears, and cherries. The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1801.
James Peale was born in 1749 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He was the ninth child of fourteen born to Margaret and John Peale. His father was a cordwainer (a shoemaker) and his mother was a schoolteacher. James Peale began his artistic training at the age of sixteen under the tutelage of portrait painter John Hesselius in Philadelphia. He later studied with Benjamin West at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1769, he traveled to England where he met and worked with painter George Romney. He returned to America in 1776 and established himself as a successful portrait painter. In addition to portraits, Peale also painted still lifes, landscapes, and historical scenes. He was one of the first American artists to paint directly from nature instead of relying on sketches or memory.
Peale’s work was widely admired during his lifetime. He was elected to membership in the American Philosophical Society in 1786 and the Royal Academy in London in 1800. He served as President of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1805 until his death in 1828.
The symbolism of the fruit
The symbolism of fruit has been used for centuries in art and literature to represent a wide range of human emotions and experiences. In the painting “Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket”, the artist James Peale uses various fruits to symbolize different aspects of the human condition. The pomegranate, for example, is a symbol of fertility and abundance, while the grapefruit represents knowledge and understanding. By combining these symbols together in a single painting, Peale creates a complex and nuanced portrait of the human experience.
The history of still life paintings
Still life paintings have been around since the 16th century, with the earliest known example being a painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder. Still life paintings became increasingly popular in the 17th century, with artists such as Willem Kalf and Jan Davidsz de Heem becoming known for their beautiful still lifes.
The 18th century saw a decline in still life painting, but it experienced a resurgence in the 19th century, with artists such as Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh creating some of the most iconic still life paintings in history. Today, still life painting is enjoying something of a renaissance, with contemporary artists such as Jennifer Angus and Christopher Wool creating new and exciting interpretations of the genre.
The meaning of the Chinese export basket
The Chinese export basket, also known as a Canton enameledware basket, is a type of basket that was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. These baskets were made in China and then exported to other countries, where they were used for a variety of purposes, including as fruit baskets.
The Chinese export basket was usually made from bamboo or rattan and was often decorated with intricate designs. The baskets were often used to hold oranges, lemons, and other fruits. The Chinese export basket became popular in the United States during the 18th century when James Peale painted a still life of fruit in a Chinese export basket.
Today, Chinese export baskets are still popular collectibles. They can be found in many antique shops and online auction sites.
How the painting reflects the time period it was created in
The painting Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket by James Peale reflects the time period it was created in for a number of reasons. First, the subject matter of the painting – a still life of fruit in a Chinese export basket – would have been highly fashionable and popular in America during the early 1800s when Peale painted it. Secondly, the style of the painting is very much in keeping with American art from this period – it is relatively simple and restrained compared to European paintings of the time, which were often much more ornate and detailed. Finally, the use of oil paint on wood panel was also typical of American paintings from this era. All these factors combine to create a painting that is very much reflective of its time period.
Conclusion
The Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket is an oil painting on wood by James Peale. The painting depicts a still life of fruit in a Chinese export basket. The painting is signed and dated 1824. This painting is a beautiful example of Peale’s work. The colors are vibrant and the composition is pleasing to the eye. The inclusion of the Chinese export basket adds an element of interest and exoticism to the scene. This painting would make a great addition to any collection.
