Still life with grapes by El Labrador (Juan Fernandez)

Still life with grapes c. 17th century

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oil-paint, oil-on-canvas

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baroque

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oil-paint

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genre-painting

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oil-on-canvas

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realism

Dimensions: 23 3/8 × 17 7/8 in. (59.37 × 45.4 cm) (sight)32 1/8 × 25 3/8 × 2 1/4 in. (81.6 × 64.45 × 5.72 cm) (outer frame)

Copyright: Public Domain

Editor: Take a peek at this oil-on-canvas gem, "Still life with grapes," crafted around the 17th century by El Labrador, now nestled in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The dark, brooding background makes the fruit and single red jug almost glow! What strikes you about it? Curator: Ah, yes, El Labrador, or Juan Fernandez, it’s like stumbling into a midnight feast in a forgotten garden. The darkness isn't just shadow; it's almost a character. Do you see how it intensifies the texture? Each grape, each leaf seems to whisper secrets. What do you make of the singular use of color and the variety in shapes of objects used? Editor: I see that, it's like he's playing with light and shadow. That red jug is almost demanding attention and that light. Could the limited palette reflect something about the culture? Or even the scarcity of certain pigments? Curator: Precisely! Think of it: Baroque art often used darkness to amplify drama, to speak of hidden truths. El Labrador uses it to focus on the simple bounty of nature and something quite unique. It isn't about flaunting wealth; instead, a deep quiet observation. Do you sense that too? Editor: Yes! It feels really intimate, like we're intruding on a very personal moment with the artist, a quiet meal of fruits. And the realism! Almost photographic detail of the grapes in shadow and of the few scattered seeds in front. It feels super modern in that way. Curator: Modern indeed, a timeless gaze on life's humble joys. I find it fascinating how he manages to ground it in his time and let it transcend into ours. Food for thought, quite literally. Editor: Definitely food for thought! I will never look at a simple still life the same way again. Curator: Neither will I. Thank you for sharing your perspectives.

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minneapolisinstituteofart's Profile Picture
minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

Juan Fernandez, known as El Labrador or The Rustic, was hugely successful in his lifetime. Using an extremely precise and refined technique, the artist presents an eccentric arrangement of objects in an unusual nighttime still-life. Using an extremely subtle color palette, he shows grapevines, fruits and nuts scattered across a table as if seen by the soft light of the moon or a low-burning candle.

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