Mary Fedden Still life with fruit 98364 20 часть 4 -- European art Европейская живопись

The composition presents a still life arranged on a table against a striking backdrop. A vibrant, predominantly red and pink sky dominates the scene, punctuated by a circular form suggestive of a setting sun or moon. The horizon line is defined by a dark band, beyond which indistinct shapes imply distant hills or landmasses. A curtain rod extends across the upper portion of the canvas, partially obscuring a deep crimson drape that hangs to the right.
On the table itself, a selection of fruit occupies the foreground. Two pears hang suspended from unseen supports, their forms rendered with smooth contours and dark green hues. Beside them lies a halved cantaloupe, its interior displaying a pattern of seeds arranged in a radial design. A bowl overflows with an assortment of citrus fruits – lemons, oranges, and possibly grapefruits – contributing to the overall sense of abundance. Two apples are positioned near the pears, their surfaces reflecting light in subtle gradations.
The color palette is intensely saturated, relying heavily on reds, pinks, greens, and yellows. The artist employs a relatively flat application of paint, minimizing textural variation and emphasizing the decorative quality of the arrangement. Light appears to emanate from behind the table, casting soft shadows and highlighting the fruit’s surfaces.
The painting evokes a sense of domestic tranquility and quiet contemplation. The abundance of fruit suggests prosperity and indulgence, while the enclosed setting – implied by the curtain – creates an atmosphere of intimacy. The unusual color scheme, however, introduces an element of dreamlike unreality, moving beyond straightforward representation towards a more symbolic or emotional expression. The deliberate simplification of forms and the flattening of perspective contribute to this sense of stylized beauty, suggesting that the artist is less concerned with precise realism than with conveying a particular mood or feeling.