Still Life with Roses and Fruit

Painted in 1863, Still Life with Roses and Fruit reflects Henri Fantin-Latour’s devotion to the still-life genre during a period of rapid artistic change in France.

While Impressionism began to challenge traditional forms, Fantin-Latour remained committed to classical techniques rooted in Dutch still-life traditions. He painted this work during his early thirties, a time when he gained favor among British collectors for his refined floral compositions. Likely created in his Paris studio, the painting demonstrates not only technical mastery but also a meditative approach to everyday subjects—offering a serene counterpoint to the turbulence of modern life.

In this intimate still life, a modest glass vase holds a lush bouquet of creamy white roses tinged with subtle pinks and yellows. The flowers bloom softly against a muted, shadowy background, their thick petals rendered with textured, confident brushwork. To the right, a ripe yellow pear and a small cluster of translucent grapes rest on a polished wooden surface. The entire scene is bathed in gentle, indirect light, enhancing the quiet realism and restrained elegance of the composition. Fantin-Latour’s mastery lies in the balance: the weight of the pear, the delicacy of the roses, and the simplicity of the setting combine to create a moment of timeless calm.