The artwork “Still Life with Flowers and Fruit” was created by Caravaggio in 1601. This oil on canvas painting, measuring 105 by 184 cm, belongs to the Baroque and Tenebrism art movements. It is a still life composition and is currently housed in the Borghese Gallery in Rome, Italy.
The artwork features an intricate and balanced arrangement of flowers and a variety of fruits and vegetables. In the center, a vase filled with a lush bouquet of flowers captures immediate attention with its vibrant arrangement of blossoms in different stages of bloom. Around the vase, a cornucopia of seasonal produce, including melons, grapes, pomegranates, onions, garlic, cabbages, apples, and other fruits and vegetables, are meticulously laid out. The interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of Tenebrism, adds depth and drama to the composition, highlighting the textures and forms of the individual elements. The dark background provides a stark contrast, allowing the rich colors of the objects in the foreground to stand out vividly. The composition not only showcases Caravaggio’s skill in still life but also reflects the opulence and abundance of the natural world.
