img267 Childe Frederick Hassam (1859-1935)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a lavish display of fruit and wine. Here we observe a table covered with a deep red cloth that dominates the visual field. Upon this surface rests a silver bowl overflowing with grapes, alongside a separate container brimming with lemons. A scattering of plums is arranged in the foreground, their dark hues contrasting sharply with the vibrant yellows and greens of the other fruits. To the right, a glass of wine stands partially filled, its ruby color echoing the tones of the tablecloth.
The artist’s technique emphasizes loose brushstrokes and an impressionistic rendering of form. Details are suggested rather than precisely defined; the fruit appears luminous due to the application of thick impasto that captures light in a textured manner. The reflective qualities of the silver bowl are rendered with broad strokes, creating a sense of movement and shimmering surface.
The arrangement conveys a feeling of abundance and indulgence. The sheer volume of fruit suggests prosperity and perhaps even excess. The inclusion of wine further reinforces this notion of pleasure and enjoyment. However, the somewhat disordered nature of the composition – the scattered plums, the overflowing bowls – introduces an element of transience. This is not a carefully curated display but rather a moment captured in time, hinting at the fleeting nature of beauty and sensory experience.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – yellows, reds, and oranges – which contribute to the overall feeling of richness and vitality. The dark plums provide a grounding element, preventing the composition from becoming overly saccharine. The interplay between light and shadow creates depth and dimension, drawing the viewer’s eye across the surface of the painting.
Subtly, theres an underlying sense of melancholy present. While celebrating abundance, the loose brushwork and lack of sharp definition suggest a certain impermanence, a recognition that even moments of great pleasure are destined to fade.