Charles Baum (1812–1877)

A Tabletop of Fruit is exemplary of Baum’s oeuvre, showing a collection of ripe fruit picked from nature. Soft white peaches, yellow and black plums, cherries, pears, and raspberries are grouped among bunches of green and purple grapes. Each fruit retains its stem and leaves; large grape leaves are mingled into the composition and accented by delicate twists of vines. Baum placed the fruit against a simple brown background, using soft brushwork to convey the ripeness of each fruit. The picture is composed of warm reds and purples contrasted against golden hues of green. Baum paid great attention to color and light to create this delightful painting of summer fruit.