Bowl of Fruit 1857

This is Henri Fantin-Latour’s "Bowl of Fruit," an oil painting, though it could almost be mistaken for fresco because of its matte surface. The composition emphasizes the inherent qualities of its subjects, through the use of color, texture, and form. Fantin-Latour has engaged with the rich tradition of still-life painting, also known as ‘nature morte’ or dead nature. It presents not just an arrangement of objects, but a meditation on the nature of painting itself. Fantin-Latour has built up these forms from individual brushstrokes, each considered in terms of color and placement. The subdued tones create an intimate atmosphere, yet also a sense of distance. In their own way, Fantin-Latour’s apples and grapes acknowledge the rise of industrial food production, the labor involved in agriculture, and the expansion of trade and consumerism. Considering materials, processes, and social context in art challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and adds depth to our understanding of pieces like "Bowl of Fruit."