Caravaggio (1571-1610), Nach - Obstschale

Italian School (19th c.): Bowl of Fruit in the Aftermath of Caravaggio
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Oil on canvas
Not signed
Undated (c. 1850)
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Austrian private collection, Salzburg.
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The present painting shows striking compositional similarities with Caravaggio's world-famous Fruit Bowl (circa 1595/1596, today in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan). It does not copy the masterwork directly, but uses the same visual language of early Baroque.
Just as with Caravaggio, the bottom of the vessel (here a ceramic or metal bowl instead of a wicker basket) closes almost flush with the lower edge of the picture. Caravaggio invented this technique to make the still life appear more monumental. As a result, the image loses artificial depth and presses itself upon the viewer as if the bowl stood directly in the viewer’s own space. The arrangement of light grapes, large dark plums/figs, and a central melon/peach in the background exactly follows the classic Baroque assortment used by Caravaggio. A very typical motif is the grape hanging over the edge of the vessel toward the front and bottom. It breaks the rigid symmetry of the bowl and creates additional plasticity. The background of the painting is rendered in a neutral, flat beige tone that reveals no real depth (such as a room or window). Caravaggio’s Fruit Bowl was also revolutionary because he placed the fruit against a completely neutral, light yellow wall. This directs the observer’s gaze unobstructed to the shapes and colors of nature.
The present image shows the fruits—in contrast to the famous model—nevertheless in a clearly idealized, flawless, and softer style, as was typical in the 18th and 19th centuries in academic painting.
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In regional auctions, antique markets, or on platforms, such anonymous still lifes of this epoch and quality typically fetch prices between €250 and €600
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The original work offered here is a unique piece in good condition (see illustrations).