Description:
platter with vine design holding watermelon with knife in it, pear, peaches, oranges, grapes with fine sections, green plums, dark plums, a plate of cherries and basket of strawberries, plain background;
Label Text:
A knife plunged into the flesh of a watermelon marks the center of this deftly composed theorem painting of a still life of fruit on a tray. The painting was found in Philadelphia but is said to have come from Baltimore. Theorem painting involved a stenciling technique used on paper, silk, crepe, or, as in this case, velvet. The artist employed a series of stencils to create her composition, which she then colored. The subject is typical of theorem pictures of fruit baskets, fruit platters, or small birds. Theorem painting was a popular art among girls and women during the early 1800's. Like flower arranging, needle work, and crayon drawing, stenciling was considered a proper leisure activity for young ladies. This example was most likely painted by a woman for her own domestic use.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=SC+2003.30.2 |
