Fruit - Grapes, Peaches, Plums and Pineapple with a Carafe of red Wine

Norwich Society artist Eloise Harriet Stannard worked from objects rather than from memory or studies. She painted fruit and flowers when in season, and spent the winter months painting the baskets, jugs and dishes that completed her compositions. The Corporation of Norwich loaned her civic silver that she would include in her paintings. Her lusciously painted scenes often include imperfect blooms with desiccated or shrivelled leaves or fruit marked by wormholes. These details are typical of Dutch still life and refer to the impermanence of life. Her still lifes are often painted as if perched on a ledge placed at high level and employ skilful perspective to give a heightened sense of realism.