AFA 18th Anniversary

18th Anniversary 140 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com James was instructed in the art of painting by his brother Charles and assisted him in his painting rooms in Annapolis and Philadelphia before launching his own career. A gifted portraitist in watercolor on ivory miniatures and in oils, he painted landscapes and small-scale historical scenes and excelled in still life painting. Along with his nephew, Raphaelle, he is acknowledged as a founder of the American still life tradition. Like most Peale family still-life pictures, this composition is presented on a table top and against a subdued background. But, James’ work is set apart by his naturalistic renderings of fruit and vegetables, his skill in decorative organization, and his delicacy of touch. In this instance, he personalized his picture with an elegant tendril at the top right that forms a cursive JP and a bolder “peeled” apple below. After Raphaelle’s death in 1825, James’ display of still life pictures increased significantly. Notable for its rich color, description of varied textures and subtle distribution of light, Raphaelle painted this picture for the wealthy, sophisticated Baltimore collector Robert Gilmor Jr. Raphaelle was already adept at still life and illusionistic painting by 1795, when he displayed five such works at the Columbianum exhibition alongside five portraits. Here he injects trompe l’oeil elements into an otherwise traditional picture. Typically small in scale, yet assertive and demanding of the viewer’s attention, Raphaelle’s compositions rarely include unusual objects, yet they often present unlikely juxtapositions or imaginative associations. Here the fabric used to keep insects like the trompe l’oeil wasp and fly off the peaches is not a utilitarian towel but a sheer kerchief of the type women frequently tucked into the bodice of a dress to insure modesty. It’s a choice that provokes the question of whether these peaches are simply from the garden or attributes of Venus? James Peale (1749–1831), Apples and Grapes in a Pierced Bowl, 1823– 25. Oil on canvas, 15 x 21¾ inches. Promised gift of the McNeil Americana Collection (x-8299). Raphaelle Peale (1774–1825), Peaches Covered by a Handkerchief, 1819. Signed, lower right: Raphaelle Peale Pinxt. Oil on panel, 12½ x 18 inches. Gift of the McNeil Americana Collection (2015-1-2).