Ferrer, José – Bodegón de uvas y granadas Part 6 Prado Museum

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a selection of fruits and foliage, set against a dark, indistinct background. A woven basket overflows with clusters of green grapes, their surfaces rendered with meticulous attention to light and shadow, suggesting volume and texture. Adjacent to the basket, a group of pomegranates dominates the central space; one is halved, revealing its vibrant red seeds, while others remain whole, their skin exhibiting subtle variations in color and tone. Several pears are interspersed among the fruits, their forms contributing to the overall sense of abundance.
The arrangement rests upon a simple, rectangular table or ledge, which provides a horizontal grounding element for the composition. The surface is subtly reflective, hinting at an unseen light source. A few scattered leaves lie on the tabletop, adding a touch of naturalism and reinforcing the impression of freshly gathered produce.
The artist’s handling of light is particularly noteworthy. It illuminates the fruits from an oblique angle, creating highlights that emphasize their roundness and tactile qualities. The dark background serves to intensify this effect, pushing the objects forward and isolating them within the pictorial space. This contrast contributes to a sense of dramatic intensity and focuses attention on the materiality of the depicted objects.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the painting evokes associations with themes of abundance, prosperity, and the fleeting nature of beauty. The ripeness of the fruit suggests a moment of peak perfection, while the halved pomegranate hints at mortality and the inevitable decay that follows. The careful arrangement and detailed rendering suggest an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and a desire to capture them in a lasting form. The inclusion of foliage introduces a sense of organic vitality, connecting the still life to the natural world from which it originates.

The inscription visible on the ledge provides contextual information regarding the artist and date of creation, further anchoring the work within a specific historical moment.