Green Plums c. 1885

Joseph Decker painted these *Green Plums* using oil on canvas, a technique that emphasizes the beauty and accessibility of everyday objects. Look closely and you'll see how the smooth, reflective surfaces of the plums are rendered with subtle gradations of light and shadow. The artist skillfully uses brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and volume, making the plums appear almost tangible. Even the humble wooden basket receives attention, with its rough texture and simple construction adding to the still life’s realism. In Decker’s time, the rise of industrial capitalism transformed the way people lived and worked. As mass-produced goods became more prevalent, there was a growing appreciation for the handmade and the authentic. Decker’s detailed rendering of these ordinary objects suggests a longing for a simpler time, when the fruits of the earth were valued for their natural beauty and abundance. Through his careful attention to materials and techniques, Decker elevates the everyday to the realm of art. In doing so, he reminds us of the enduring power of craft and the importance of finding beauty in the world around us.