François Vernay (1821-1896). Still Life With Vase

François Vernay (1821-1896). Still Life with Vase. 1870s-1880s. Oil on wood. 34 x 26 cm (excluding frame). In its original frame. This still life with a porcelain vase belongs to the later works of François Vernay, a Lyon-based artist renowned for the quality of his genre scenes and still lifes, particularly appreciated in the second half of the 19th century. The composition adopts a classic and balanced scheme: a decorated porcelain vase occupies a central position, surrounded by fruit—white and black grapes, apples—arranged on a table partially covered with a light-colored cloth. This triangular arrangement, inherited from the Flemish and Dutch tradition, allows Vernay to deploy a subtle interplay of masses and volumes, while guiding the eye toward the luminous heart of the scene. The floral bouquet introduces a discreet verticality that breaks with the horizontality of the table and gives the whole a controlled visual breathing space. The deliberately neutral, dark background isolates the objects and accentuates their physical presence. The technique is characteristic of Vernay in the 1870s and 1880s: a supple yet precise touch, attentive to textures. The translucent grapes demonstrate remarkable work with light and transparency, while the porcelain of the vase is rendered through a subtle interplay of whites nuanced with blues and grays, evoking the refinement of the decorative arts so dear to 19th-century bourgeois taste. The wooden panel support, common in Vernay's work, allows for a smooth surface and great precision of execution, reinforcing the intimate and precious character of the piece. The palette, dominated by warm and deep tones (ochres, reds, browns), is balanced by light accents that structure the composition without ever disrupting its harmony. The presence of the original frame, richly carved and gilded, is a major asset. Typical of the late 19th century, it contributes fully to the interpretation of the work and testifies to its historical integrity. The whole, painting and frame, is presented in excellent condition, an essential criterion for collectors and institutions. With its intimate dimensions and the quality of its execution, this still life represents a mature example of François Vernay's artistic development. It will appeal to both enthusiasts of 19th-century Lyon painting and collectors who appreciate refined decorative works.