Festoen van vruchten 1677 - 1726

Herman Henstenburgh created this watercolor "Festoen van vruchten" sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The still life presents a carefully arranged assortment of fruits and foliage, all anchored by a nail at the composition's apex. Note how Henstenburgh organizes the fruits in a triangular fashion. The grapes cascade down the left, balanced by leaves on the opposite side, directing our gaze. Look at the snail on the grapes; what does its inclusion tell us about the piece's themes of temporality and decay? The fruits exhibit a remarkable realism, which invites viewers to consider deeper philosophical implications around the consumption and transformation of natural elements. Consider the artwork's capacity to evoke ongoing contemplation regarding the transient nature of life and beauty.