Still Life – Fish, Shrimp, And A Basket Of Lemons – French School, Mid-19th Century

A remarkable antique oil-on-canvas painting from the mid-19th century depicting a still life composed of freshly caught fish and shrimp arranged in front of a wicker basket, with a lemon placed to the side to provide balance and contrast to the composition.

The work is constructed according to a classical composition, set against a deep, dark background that beautifully highlights the vibrant reds of the shellfish and the silvery sheen of the fish. The rendering of textures—the scales, the shells, and the weave of the basket—is both confident and expressive, characteristic of the great European tradition of mid-19th-century still life.

With its realism, harmonious color palette, and timeless subject, this painting is a fine example of French still life from this period and will add character and elegance to a classic or contemporary interior.

Title: Still Life with Fish, Shrimp, and a Basket of Lemons
School: French School, mid-19th century
Period: Circa 1840–1860
Technique: Oil on canvas
Subject: Fish, shrimp, a wicker basket, and a lemon
55 x 46 cm unframed
Frame : Original gilt and wood period frame

The painting is in good overall condition, with a fine network of age-related craquelure and slight surface wear consistent with its age. There is an old repair to the canvas on the reverse. The painting retains all of its original charm and authenticity.