Theodore Palomar

TEODORO PALOMAR (Seville, Fns. S. XIX - Ppio. S. XX).
"Still life with fruit basket".
Oil on canvas.
Signed in the lower left corner.
Measurements: 92 x 73,5 cm: 105,5 x 87 cm (frame).
This is a still life of the Sevillian painter Teodoro Palomar, twentieth century artist. The work presents a traditional still life composition, with a large display of fruit, a ceramic vase and a warm, subdued background that evokes Baroque painting.
In the center of the painting is a basket overflowing with grapes in various shades, from golden yellow to dark purple. Among the grapes, some apples and pears stand out, providing contrast with their reddish and orange tones. At the bottom, a blue ceramic bowl holds more fruit, including figs and peaches. On the right, an elegant white ceramic vase with soft curves and symmetrical handles adds a touch of refinement and balances the composition.
The diffused background in shades of ochre and brown creates a sense of depth and warmth, highlighting the texture of the leaves and fruit. The dramatic lighting and the use of chiaroscuro recall the pictorial tradition of Spanish Golden Age still lifes, with a strong influence of baroque realism.
Teodoro Palomar is inspired by the tradition of Sevillian still lifes, particularly the work of artists such as Zurbarán and Velázquez, adapting his technique to a more modern and expressive approach. His treatment of light and color creates a serene and harmonious atmosphere, highlighting the richness of the natural elements.
This type of work reflects the taste for everyday beauty and the appreciation of nature through art, keeping alive a pictorial tradition of great relevance in the history of Spanish art.