François Vernay (1821-1896), Still Life With Apples And Grapes

Oil on panel. 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Signed lower right. With frame.

This superb still life by François perfectly illustrates the artist's mastery of the genre, renowned for its harmonious compositions and warm palette. Here, apples and grapes intermingle on a table, bathed in a subtle light that highlights the texture of the fruit and the transparency of the bunches. The balanced and generous composition bears witness to the influence of French tradition while revealing a personal touch: Vernay favors realism, but does not hesitate to play with material and color to create an intimate and refined atmosphere. This work, typical of his production, will seduce lovers of classical still lifes with the richness of its details and the softness of its atmosphere.

Vernay studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon and exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1868 to 1880. He devoted himself almost exclusively to still lifes of flowers and fruit, thus joining the long line of Lyonnais artists specializing in this genre. However, Vernay is a major figure in this field in that his technique is decisive and his color palette rich and varied. He achieves warm harmonies accentuated by a generous but never exaggerated application of color. Initially, he painted in a simple style, favoring realism and precision. From around 1853, however, he began to experiment with different techniques that allowed for an even more direct approach to his subjects. By the end of his life, he had chosen to paint primarily in watercolor and to draw rather than paint in oils. These later works demonstrate a remarkably expressive and developed sensibility.