Basket of Plums Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin (1699-1779)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a woven basket overflowing with plums. A glass filled with clear water stands adjacent to the basket, positioned slightly forward in the pictorial space. Several loose plums have fallen from the basket onto the surface below, alongside a few almond nuts and a sprig of green leaves. The background is rendered in muted tones, creating a sense of depth and drawing attention to the objects in the foreground.
The artist’s handling of light contributes significantly to the overall mood. A soft, diffused illumination highlights the textures of the plums – their velvety skins and subtle color variations – and reflects within the glass of water. The shadows are deep but not harsh, suggesting a gentle ambient light source. This careful manipulation of light enhances the realism of the scene while also imparting a contemplative quality.
The choice of subject matter carries symbolic weight. Plums, often associated with abundance and prosperity, are presented in a state of both fullness (the overflowing basket) and potential loss (the fallen fruit). The presence of almonds, traditionally symbols of longevity and good health, adds another layer to this interpretation. The water in the glass might represent purity or refreshment, while the leaves introduce an element of natural vitality.
The arrangement itself feels deliberate, yet unstudied. There is a sense of quiet domesticity, as if the scene captures a fleeting moment of everyday life. The slightly disheveled nature of the plums – some fallen, some partially obscured – suggests a narrative beyond mere representation; perhaps hinting at the passage of time or the ephemeral nature of beauty and abundance.
The subdued color palette – dominated by browns, greens, reds, and muted yellows – reinforces this atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and subtle emotional resonance.