Art Institute of Chicago

Still Life with Grapes and Flowers

Mélanie de Comoléra (French, 1789-1854)

Date

c. 1827

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

France

Department

Painting and Sculpture of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

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.

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