Still Life with Grapes and Pomegranates Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

In this opulent still life, a collection of fruits and table settings is meticulously arranged on a flat surface against a dark, atmospheric background. On the left, two pomegranates are prominently displayed. One is whole, its vibrant red skin taut. The other is dramatically split open, revealing its jewel-like seeds and glistening inner flesh, with a few loose seeds scattered nearby.
Beside the pomegranates, clusters of grapes add visual texture and variety. There are dark, almost black grapes, and lighter, translucent green ones, their individual shapes rendered with delicate precision. In the center of the composition stands an ornate pitcher, primarily white with delicate floral motifs in pink and green, accented with gold detailing on its handle and lid. To the right of the pitcher, a single green pear rests, its surface subtly mottled.
Further to the right, two elegant stemmed glasses filled with deep red wine create a sense of luxury and conviviality. Next to the glasses, a red apple with hints of green and yellow is positioned, alongside a gleaming silver knife with a light-colored handle.
The paintings subtext can be interpreted through the symbolism of the objects depicted. Fruits, especially grapes and pomegranates, are traditional symbols of abundance, fertility, and prosperity. The presence of wine and the elegantly set table suggest themes of celebration, pleasure, and perhaps even excess or the fleeting nature of such enjoyments. The open pomegranate can also symbolize fertility or even a wound, depending on interpretation. The overall impression is one of rich materiality and a celebration of the senses, presented with a masterful handling of light and shadow that enhances the tactile qualities of each object.