About this artwork
In this exquisite still life, Mélanie de Comoléra skillfully depicted a variety of flowers, fruits, and other luxury objects. On a marble ledge sits a wide bowl, overflowing with grapes and plums. Behind it, a glass pitcher holds a mix of colorful flowers. In the foreground, key limes and jalapeño peppers, botanical species that are not indigenous to Europe, evoke themes of colonialism and global trade.
Mélanie de Comoléra studied and worked in France before moving to London, where she made this painting. The artist established a successful career there and became the official painter to the Duchess of Clarence (later Queen Adelaide) and Queen Victoria.
-
Status
- On View, Gallery 221
-
Department
- Painting and Sculpture of Europe
-
Artist
- Mélanie de Comoléra
-
Title
- Still Life with Grapes and Flowers
-
Place
- France (Artist's nationality:)
-
Date
- 1822–1832
-
Medium
- Oil on canvas
-
Inscriptions
- Signed verso, lower left: Melanie de Comolera peintre de S. A. R. la Duchesse de Clarence (somewhat illegible); recto: Mmlle De Comolera / peintre de S.R. la Duchesse de Clarence
-
Dimensions
- 40.7 × 32.7 cm (16 1/16 × 12 7/8 in.)
-
Credit Line
- Through prior purchase with funds provided by Eugene and Helen Huang in memory of Ada and Wilfred Polkinghorne, Justin K. Thannhauser, A. A. Munger Collection, bequest of Celia Schmidt Estate
-
Reference Number
- 2023.3112
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
