Still life with lemons, onions and strawberries Master SB (active:XVIIв.)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a woven basket overflowing with produce. A large pear dominates the left side of the scene, its skin rendered in meticulous detail, capturing subtle variations in tone and texture that suggest ripeness and weight. Adjacent to it are several quince fruits, their pale yellow surfaces reflecting the light source, while a cluster of onions sits closer to the foreground, their forms contributing to the overall sense of abundance.
The basket itself is densely packed with a variety of items: grapes hang in loose bunches, interspersed with what appear to be apples and pears. A smaller bundle of red berries adds a vibrant splash of color against the darker tones of the other elements. The artist has employed a chiaroscuro technique, utilizing strong contrasts between light and shadow to create depth and volume. This dramatic lighting emphasizes the materiality of each object, highlighting their surfaces and contributing to a sense of realism.
The dark background serves to isolate the still life, drawing attention to the arrangements inherent qualities. The limited color palette – primarily earth tones with accents of red and yellow – reinforces the painting’s focus on natural forms and textures.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the work seems to explore themes of transience and decay. While the produce appears fresh and abundant, the shadows suggest a passage of time, hinting at the inevitable process of deterioration. The inclusion of onions, often associated with domesticity and sustenance, alongside more luxurious fruits like pears and grapes, might imply a commentary on social hierarchies or the fleeting nature of pleasure. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the beauty and fragility inherent in everyday objects.