The artwork “Still Life with Vegetable,” created by William Merritt Chase in 1870, is an exemplary piece crafted using oil on canvas. Falling under the Realism movement, this still life painting measures 61.6 x 50.8 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork showcases a meticulously arranged assortment of vegetables. Central to the composition is a silver bowl brimming with various vegetables including celery, tomatoes, leeks, turnips, cucumbers, and cabbage. The artist’s masterful use of realism is evident in the detailed textures and vibrant colors, which create an almost tangible sense of freshness and ripeness. The earthen hues of the background complement the natural tones of the vegetables, enhancing their prominence and adding depth to the scene. The inclusion of a small card with what appears to be a bird, affixed near the edge of the bowl, adds an element of curiosity and narrative to the artwork. Overall, “Still Life with Vegetable” is a compelling representation of mid-19th-century still life that captures the artist’s keen observational skills and refined technique.
