Surrounded by a giltwood frame adorned with fluting and a foliate/floral border, this nature morte oil on canvas painting depicts a fowl hunting display paired with recently harvested fruit. A felled bird is suspended above a wooden table laden with fruit, some grapes and apples directly on the table, while a bunch of pears can be seen in a woven basket. Next to the basket is a large, green ceramic jar that is positioned in front of the bird’s shadow, which is visible on the variegated black and gray wall. The painting, which is from the French School of the 1800s, is signed in the lower right corner.

Before the 19th century, still life paintings were not held in high esteem, according to the “hierarchy of genres” taught by European art academies. This view stated that artistic merit was governed solely by the subject matter, placing utmost importance on paintings of historical significance; a still life was deemed to be the least worthy of recognition. During the Impressionist period, painters such as Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet created beautiful still life paintings that showed the technique and palette were worthy of critique.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition with minor age separations and losses to the frame, with some old touch-ups. Small patch to the verso side of the canvas.