Fruit Piece by Jan Van Huysum

Fruit Piece (1722) exemplifies Van Huysum's mastery of the Dutch still life tradition. This luminous composition features an abundance of perfectly rendered fruits arranged with delicate flowers and foliage against a dark background. Each element, from the sun-ripened peaches and translucent grapes to the dewdrops on leaves, demonstrates his extraordinary attention to detail. The painting showcases his innovative use of light and his ability to capture various textures – the soft bloom on plums, the glossy cherries, and the velvet surface of peaches. Small insects scattered throughout add realism to this celebration of nature's bounty.

Medium: Oil on panel • Movement: Dutch Golden Age • Size: 31.1" x 23.6" (79cm x 60cm) • Location: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Jan Van Huysum (1682-1749) was the preeminent Dutch still life painter of the 18th century. Working in Amsterdam, he revolutionized the genre with his bright, light-filled compositions and precise botanical detail. Unlike his predecessors who painted in dark studios from collected specimens, van Huysum worked directly from nature in a sunlit room. He was famous for his meticulous technique, often waiting months to complete a painting while specific flowers came into season. His work was highly sought after by European nobility, and his influence on still life painting extended well beyond his lifetime.

Panel Print
These beautifully detailed panel prints feature a durable matte surface which minimizes reflections. They are printed directly onto a smooth bright white 1/4" panel with a dark gray edge, and then mounted to a hidden frame. This frame makes the print appear to float off the wall providing a clean modern look. They are easy to hang.