19th century Spanish school

Spanish School, 19th century.
"Still life".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 49 x 72 cm; 64 x 87 cm (frame).
The still life that occupies us sinks its roots in the Baroque still life tradition. We are in front of a variegated composition centered in a clearly delimited space, in which the illusionist taste of the painter stands out, who superimposes some elements on others, thus creating the typical baroque trompe l'oeil. The author of this painting is based for its conception and treatment on his knowledge of the Spanish tradition of the genre, which has its roots in the masters of the seventeenth century. In this way, he evidences his sober and contained knowledge of the Hispanic tradition. As usual in the Baroque still life, key to the development of the genre in the nineteenth century, the fruits are vividly illuminated, highlighted on a dark and neutral background that balances the composition and enhances the corporeality, the physical presence of fruits and vegetables.
The still life or still life occupied the lowest rung of the hierarchy of genres in the history of art, but it became increasingly popular among buyers. In addition to the independent subject of still life, it addressed other types of painting themes by using prominent, usually symbolic, elements and images that drew on a multitude of elements from nature apparently to reproduce a part of life. The term appeared as early as the end of the 16th century. Highly appreciated within the antiquarian market, as well as among collectors and art historians, the still life school enjoyed a spectacular development.