Pair Of Still Lifes With Fruit And Tableware | 17th-century Italian School, Oil On Canvas

A pair of still lifes in the tradition of southern Italian Baroque naturalism, far removed from any courtly academicism and embracing the poetics of domestic realism. The compositional approach favors half-light and a deep, brown background from which the objects emerge thanks to carefully calibrated beams of light. The objects depicted are not mere symbols of vanitas, but real household items in common use: spiced sausages, kitchen utensils, and produce of the earth.
"Still Life with Ceramic Stand, Salami, and Peeled Lemon"
The composition is dominated by a ceramic stand supporting a pile of seasonal fruit, among which clusters of dark grapes and bright red cherries stand out. In the center sits a thick-skinned lemon, partially peeled. On the wooden surface, a knife rests precariously on the edge, a sliced salami in which black peppercorns are clearly visible, and on the right, the typical pot-bellied glazed ceramic jug (from Puglia?), placed next to vegetables and smaller fruits shrouded in shadow.
"Still Life with a Large Plate, Cardoons, a pomegranate, and various fruits"
Mirroring the other painting in format and composition, this work features a large, shallow plate holding a bunch of carefully tied cardoons, flanked by clusters of cherries and a split pomegranate. On the right, a glazed terracotta jug fills the space, while a solitary fruit stands out at the bottom on the edge of the table.

Dimensions:

canvas approx. 41 x 32 cm (each), with frame: approx. 50 x 40 cm (each)