Pineapples 1890

Francisco Oller painted "Pineapples," a still life, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Oller was deeply engaged with Puerto Rican identity, both as a painter and an advocate for the island's autonomy. This painting isn't just about fruit; it reflects complex colonial dynamics. Pineapples, native to South America, became a sought-after commodity. Their cultivation in places like Puerto Rico was tied to colonial economies. Oller's choice to depict them elevates a local product, suggesting pride in Puerto Rican agriculture and culture. He creates a visual assertion of identity, framing the pineapple not just as a fruit but as a symbol of Puerto Rico’s resources and resilience. The painting's simplicity invites contemplation on the relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. The arrangement of the pineapples, the humble tableware, evokes a sense of everyday life, grounding the exotic in the familiar. "Pineapples" quietly challenges the exoticization of the island and its people, emphasizing the dignity and value of local resources.