“Bread, Cheese and Olives” by Yaroslav Ponomarenko presents a rustic still life inspired by the simplicity of traditional Mediterranean food. A large, crusty loaf of bread rests beside pieces of pale cheese, while green and red olives with slender leaves provide a subtle accent of colour. Set against a deep, almost black background, the familiar ingredients are arranged on a wooden surface, their textures emerging gradually from the surrounding shadows. The painting draws on the tradition of classical still life through its restrained composition, naturalistic detail and dramatic chiaroscuro. The rugged crust of the bread contrasts with the softer, irregular surface of the cheese, while delicate highlights bring depth to the olives and leaves. Warm earth tones and carefully controlled light lend the scene a quiet sense of intimacy, transforming everyday food into a timeless study of material, nourishment and the understated beauty of ordinary objects. Unique SKU: HCO-YAP-BCO-2026-012 ⸻ Yaroslav Ponomarenko (b. 1982, Kharkiv, Ukraine) is a contemporary painter whose practice is grounded in the technical discipline and visual language of European Old Master traditions. Trained at the Kharkiv Art Lyceum and later at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv, Ponomarenko developed a rigorous approach to drawing, composition, and pictorial structure. His work reflects an ongoing engagement with historical methods, informed by extended study of classical painting techniques and the material processes of European schools. Working primarily within still life and symbolic composition, he focuses on the precise observation of natural forms, often isolating modest subjects and rendering them with a heightened sense of clarity and restraint. Light and tonal construction play a central role in his practice, allowing objects to emerge gradually from subdued atmospheric grounds. Alongside his studio work, Ponomarenko has been active as an educator, contributing to the transmission of classical techniques through structured teaching and research. This dual engagement with practice and pedagogy informs a body of work that is both technically exacting and conceptually measured. His paintings situate themselves within a contemporary revival of classical realism, where historical continuity is approached not as imitation, but as a disciplined and evolving language. Yaroslav Ponomarenko is represented by Havisham & Co., where his paintings are introduced to collectors through curated sales and selected auction placements. ⸻ Havisham & Co. Havisham & Co. is a London-based fine art agency representing contemporary artists whose work engages with heritage, symbolism, and classical craftsmanship. The agency facilitates the placement of original artworks through curated sales, private transactions, and selected international auction platforms. Instagram: @havishamco Website: www.havishamco.com Email: info@havishamco.com Please note, the certificate for this artwork will be provided electronically upon request. International shipments may be subject to customs duties and import taxes, which are determined by local authorities and are the responsibility of the buyer.