Made in late 19th-century France, this chromolithograph reproduces a still life painting in the abundant style of the 18th century, with grapes, peaches, pears, figs, walnuts, and a bright wedge of watermelon piled on a dark wooden table. Chromolithography was a printing process patented in France in 1837. The original gilt frame is carved with a beaded leaf border and has the small chips and scuffs of being moved between walls over a hundred and fifty years. The darkening across the surface is from candle and oil-lamp smoke that settled into the print before the age of electric light. Sylvie hangs it over a dining sideboard with a row of decanters beneath, leans it on a kitchen shelf with a few candles in front of it, or puts it in a powder room where a guest will be surprised to find it.
Minor variations from the images may occur unless otherwise noted. All sales are final.
