Still Life of Fruit and Nuts 1660s

Giuseppe Ruoppolo created this still life of fruit and nuts on canvas in Naples, a major artistic center in Italy. It captures a moment of abundance, yet also hints at the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. During the 17th century, still life paintings gained popularity among the rising merchant class, reflecting their prosperity and taste for luxury goods. These works often carried symbolic meanings, reminding viewers of mortality. Ruoppolo's painting is a fascinating example of this genre. It represents a world of commerce and increasing wealth, but also a Roman Catholic sensibility that emphasizes moderation in earthly enjoyment. The painting may serve as a kind of moral lesson against worldly excess. By studying household inventories, market records, and religious sermons from the period, we can better understand the social context in which this image was created and viewed. The meaning of art is inseparable from its historical moment.