Still life with grapes c. 17th century

"Still Life with Grapes," a 17th-century oil painting by Spanish artist El Labrador (Juan Fernandez, 1630-1640), is a compelling example of the Spanish Baroque style. The artwork, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, features a dark background that contrasts sharply with the rich colors of the grapes, fruits, and nuts. The composition is tightly packed, conveying a sense of abundance. The leaves of the grapevine, depicted in a realistic and detailed manner, add a sense of depth and texture to the artwork. This still life, showcasing the artist's mastery of light and shadow, exemplifies the genre's focus on everyday objects as a means of expressing symbolic meaning.