The Quince and the Raspberry Jar 2005

In this still life by Stefan Caltia, we see a quince, a jar of raspberries, and a small cup. There’s a quiet, subdued atmosphere created by the limited palette; these objects emerge from a dark background. The paint application looks smooth, almost like egg tempera, which gives it a slightly surreal quality. Take a look at the raspberry jar. The way the light hits it, that semi-transparent glow, gives the whole painting its heart. It's full of depth, with layers of color shifting from deep reds to translucent pinks. It's so delicious, I almost want to eat it. I wonder if Caltia was thinking about memory, of the past. It reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi’s bottles, but with more sweetness. Both artists invite us to look closely at the everyday, turning simple objects into profound, meditative experiences.