David de Heem (1663-1701) - attributed to, David de Heem (1663-1701) - attributed to Festoon with Grapes, Corn, Pomegranate and Citrus Fruits

Oil on canvas 55.5 x 38.5 cm

David de Heem was the son of the still life painter Cornelis de Heem and grandson of Jan Davidsz de Heem, the most famous representative and founder of this dynasty, who broke new ground in still life painting by combining Flemish splendor with Dutch naturalism.

The painting stands as a testament to the great legacy of Jan Davidsz de Heem's still lifes, preserved through the works of his descendants. A festoon, adorned with a blue ribbon, gracefully unites an array of fruits, their vibrant hues aglow in the ambient light. Positioned centrally, a cluster of red berries with a lustrous blue sheen commands attention, flanked by a green cluster to the top left, illuminated by the light, and a blue cluster to the bottom right, ensconced in shadow. The composition's diagonal axis, originating from the bottom left, traverses from the yellow citrus fruits through the central grape to the open pomegranate, revealing its bright red flesh. Poppy capsules, nestled between the red and blue grapes, serve as a chromatic complement to the lighter citrus fruits. Anchoring the composition, a corn cob introduces a vertical axis, while a pumpkin occupies the right periphery, accompanied by blue corn above and an aubergine to the left. The various leaves of the fruit frame the scenario and give their bright colours a calming frame. Oil on canvas, 55.5 × 38.5 cm