“Still Life With Watermelon,” executed by William Merritt Chase in 1869, is an oil-on-canvas painting belonging to the Realism art movement. This still life piece, measuring 61 by 71.1 centimeters, is currently housed in the Birmingham Museum of Art in Birmingham, Alabama, US.
The artwork features a finely detailed arrangement of various fruits, notably a prominently displayed watermelon, sliced to reveal its vibrant pink interior and black seeds. A knife is lodged into the watermelon, capturing a moment of interruption in the stillness. Surrounding the watermelon are grapes, both red and green, cascading from the top of the composition, intertwined with lush leaves. Other fruits, including oranges, peaches, and plums, are meticulously placed on the table. A bottle of wine, accompanied by a glass, further enriches the scene, enhancing the sense of opulent abundance. The folded white tablecloth, adorned with a subtle checkerboard pattern, provides a stark contrast against the colorful array of fruits, drawing attention to the carefully composed elements within the scene. The lighting and shadows are expertly handled, emphasizing the textures and natural beauty of the subjects, reflective of the Realism style.
