Still Life with Fruit, Lizard and Insects Ottmar Elliger

The composition presents a meticulously arranged still life set against a deeply shadowed background. A stone ledge serves as the primary surface for the display, its dark gray hue contrasting with the vibrant colors of the objects placed upon it. Dominating the scene are a cluster of pale green grapes, their individual forms rendered with considerable detail and reflecting subtle variations in light. Adjacent to them lie two fruits: a peach exhibiting a blush of pink and red, and an orange displaying a rich, saturated color.
Draping over the ledge and extending from above is a tangle of foliage – grape leaves and vines – which contributes to the sense of abundance and natural growth. The artist has incorporated several small creatures into this arrangement: a lizard clings to the edge of the shelf, its green coloration blending with the surrounding vegetation; a snail rests near the orange; and various insects – including what appears to be a locust or grasshopper – are scattered amongst the leaves and fruit.
The inclusion of these living elements introduces a layer of complexity beyond mere representation of inanimate objects. The presence of insects and the lizard, often associated with decay and transience, subtly alludes to the fleeting nature of beauty and abundance. They serve as reminders that even the most appealing displays are subject to the processes of time and decomposition.
The dark background intensifies the focus on the illuminated objects, creating a dramatic effect that emphasizes their textures and colors. The lighting is carefully controlled, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow, which contributes to the overall sense of depth and realism. The arrangement feels deliberate, almost theatrical, suggesting an exploration of themes related to mortality, the passage of time, and the delicate balance between life and decay within a seemingly static composition.