Gennaro Guglielmi

GENNARO GUGLIELMI (Naples, Italy, 1804-1887).
"Still life of fruits", 1860.
Oil on canvas.
Presents faults in the frame, damage caused by active xylophages and damage.
Signed and dated in the lower right area.
Measurements: 70 x 98 cm; 95 x 123,5 cm (frame).
This still life by Gennaro Guglielmi, Neapolitan painter of the 19th century, was made in 1860. The composition stands out for its richness and visual balance, where the artist shows a wide variety of elements masterfully arranged. In the center of the scene are fruits such as open watermelons and melons, with their bright colors contrasting with the more neutral tone of the breads on the right side and the white tablecloth in the foreground. On the left, a basket overflowing with grapes, along with a bottle of wine and a glass, adds texture and depth. Above, a delicate bouquet of flowers introduces an air of freshness, while the soft colors and meticulous detail reflect a refined technique.
The still life genre gained great importance in the 19th century, not only as a technical exercise for artists, but also as a means to explore symbolic themes related to the transience of life, abundance and earthly pleasures. In addition, advances in economics and bourgeois society allowed this type of art to become a popular form of decoration and personal expression. The attention to detail and realism characteristic of this period reveal the technical virtuosity of the painters and their ability to bring everyday objects to life.