Description
The painting "Fruit of the Strawberry Tree" by Luis Meléndez is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art. The artist is known for his ability to capture the beauty and realism of objects in his paintings, and this work is no exception.
The composition of the paint is simple but effective. In the center of the work is a ceramic plate with fruits of a strawberry tree. The fruits are arranged in a natural and realistic way, with some of them touching each other. A white tablecloth can be seen in the background, providing a perfect contrast to the vibrant color palette used in the painting.
Speaking of colors, Meléndez uses a wide range of hues to bring painting to life. From the deep red of the strawberries to the dark green of the leaves, the colors are bright and vibrant, making the painting very attractive to look at.
The story behind the painting is interesting. It was painted in 1771, when Meléndez was at the peak of his career. The work was commissioned by King Carlos III of Spain and became one of the monarch's favorites. The painting has been kept in the Spanish royal collection ever since and is one of the most outstanding works in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Meléndez was not only a great painter, but also an expert in botany. He knew exactly what fruits and vegetables looked like in real life and he used this knowledge to create a painting that looked almost lifelike.
In short, "Fruit of the Strawberry Tree" is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque art that stands out for its realism, effective composition, and vibrant color palette. The story behind the painting and the artist's botanical knowledge make this work even more interesting and valuable.