Mound of Cherries oil on wood William Mason Brown (painter) American, 1828 – 1898
In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the life and work of William Mason Brown, an American painter best known for his still-life paintings. We’ll explore how he developed his style, what influenced his work, and how he helped to shape the course of American art in the 19th century.
Brown was born in Philadelphia in 1828, the son of a successful businessman. He showed an early interest in art, and began studying with local painter John Neagle when he was just sixteen years old. Neagle introduced Brown to the work of European masters like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian, which had a profound impact on the young artist.
In 1848, Brown made his way to Europe, where he studied in Paris and Rome. It was during this time that he began to develop his signature style, characterized by rich colors and meticulous attention to detail. Upon his return to the United States in 1851, Brown quickly established himself as one of the leading painters of his generation.
His work was exhibited widely and highly praised by critics. In 1858, he was elected to the National Academy of Design, becoming one of the youngest members in the organization’s history.
What is the Mound of Cherries oil painting?
This Mound of Cherries oil painting was created by William Mason Brown and is an American work of art. The painting depicts a pile of cherries, with some falling off the top, in the middle of a green field. There are leaves and branches around the cherries, and the background appears to be a blue sky. The painting is signed by the artist and dated 1876.
The Mound of Cherries oil painting is a beautiful example of American still life painting. The artist has skillfully depicted the fruit in a realistic manner, while also adding his own creative touch to the work. The use of color is particularly striking in this painting, with the vibrant reds and greens standing out against the blue sky. This work would make a great addition to any collection.
The artist William Mason Brown
William Mason Brown was an American painter who is best known for his work in the field of still life. Brown was born in 1828 in Boston, Massachusetts. He began his career as a painter in 1849, and he first gained notoriety for his work in the 1850s. In 1851, he exhibited his first painting at the Boston Athenaeum.
Brown’s early work consists mostly of landscapes and portraits. However, he is best known for his paintings of fruit and flowers. His most famous painting, “Mound of Cherries,” was completed in 1854. The painting depicts a bowl of cherries on a table.
In addition to “Mound of Cherries,” Brown also painted several other well-known works, including “Still Life with Fruit” (1855), “Still Life with Flowers” (1857), and “Still Life with Peaches” (1858).
Brown’s work was very popular during his lifetime. His paintings were frequently featured in exhibitions, and they were also published in popular magazines such as Harper’s Weekly and Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.
The meaning behind the painting
When William Mason Brown painted Mound of Cherries in the late 1800s, he was likely thinking about the simple pleasure of eating fresh fruit. But the painting also has a more complex meaning.
The cherries in the painting are set against a dark background, which makes them stand out even more. The bright red color of the fruit is associated with vitality and passion. And the round shape of the cherries suggests fertility.
So while the painting may seem like a straightforward still life, it actually contains many hidden symbols that point to larger ideas about life and death, pleasure and passion.
The painting hangs in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
Where the painting is located
The painting is located in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.. The museum is open to the public and free of charge.
The painting can be found on the second floor of the museum in the “19th-Century American Art” galleries.
Why the painting is significant
The Mound of Cherries is an oil painting by American painter William Mason Brown. The painting is significant because it is a rare example of still life painting from the American Renaissance period. The painting depicts a mound of cherries, which are a symbol of fertility and abundance. The painting is also significant because it is one of the few known examples of Brown’s work.
Conclusion
This painting by William Mason Brown is a beautiful example of still life artwork. The mound of cherries oil on wood is so realistic that it looks like you could reach out and touch them. The different colors of the cherries are also eye-catching, making this painting a feast for the senses. If you’re ever feeling down, take a look at this painting and let its beauty lift your spirits.
