Vegetable Still Life

Currently not on view

Vegetable Still Life

By 1828

James Peale (American, 1749–1831)

The Peale family’s approach to still life refreshed European precedents. The subdued background and countertop setting seen here are adapted from Dutch, French, and Spanish examples. Yet this assemblage of colorful produce celebrates American agriculture’s success, with the impeccable forms showing none of the decay found in the popular European still-life tradition of vanitas (foreshadowing death even amid nature’s bounty).

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Vegetable Still Life

Date:

By 1828

Artist:

James Peale (American, 1749–1831)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

16 1/2 x 22 1/2 inches (41.9 x 57.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of the McNeil Americana Collection, 2009

Accession Number:

2009-17-1

Geography:

Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view