Schaal met fruit 1746 - 1769

Jacob Xavery made this "Schaal met fruit" or "Bowl with Fruit" with watercolor around 1760. Within the bowl we see a collection of grapes, peaches, and apricots. Since antiquity, the grape has been associated with fertility, plenty, and, especially in the context of the Christian Eucharist, with the blood of Christ. Consider the image of Bacchus in ancient Roman mosaics, his head crowned with grape vines, a symbol of ecstatic release. Now, observe the blue and white bowl; it’s reminiscent of porcelain from the Ming Dynasty, itself a symbol of cultural exchange and luxury. Notice how the blue of the bowl subtly complements the blush of the peaches, a silent echo of cross-cultural dialogues. The seemingly simple arrangement engages our senses. This composition subtly speaks to the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.