Watermelon and Grapes 1863

"Watermelon and Grapes" is an oval-shaped still life painting by American artist John F. Francis, created in 1863. The painting depicts a sliced watermelon, a cluster of grapes, and several watermelon seeds scattered across a white table cloth. Francis captures the natural textures of the fruit with a meticulous, realistic approach, highlighting the contrasting colors of the watermelon's red flesh and green rind against the dark grapes. The painting exemplifies the popularity of still life as a genre in the 19th century, particularly in the US, which emphasizes the beauty of everyday objects.