Fruchtstück in einer Nische auf einem Marmortische, Pflaumen, Pfirsiche, Trauben und Brombeeren 

Paul Theodor van Brussel’s still life of fruit in watercolor, made in the late 18th century, captures a moment of abundance and luxury. The arrangement of plums, peaches, grapes, and blackberries is not merely a depiction of nature but a carefully constructed display of wealth and sophistication. Painted in the Netherlands, this image reflects the country's economic prosperity during that time. The Dutch Golden Age, though past, left a legacy of valuing trade and material wealth. The fruit, set against a marble table and niche, elevates the everyday into a symbol of status. We can see the artist drawing from earlier traditions of Dutch still life painting, while incorporating newer trends in natural history and scientific illustration. Such images were not just about aesthetics; they were about communicating social values. To truly understand this work, we can delve into the economic history of the Netherlands and examine the role of art in constructing social identity.