'Still Life with Palette and Brushes, Fruit and Flowers', Robert Edge Pine

Artwork details

Artist

Robert Edge Pine (before 1730‑1788)

Title

Still Life with Palette and Brushes, Fruit and Flowers

Date c.1760-70

MediumOil paint on canvas

Dimensionsunconfirmed: 452 x 617 mm

Collection

Tate

Acquisition Bequeathed by Mrs Nancy McLean 1993

Reference

T06674

Not on display

Display caption

Pine was described as an 'eminent painter' as early as 1748. He was a successful portrait and history painter in London, Bath and, after 1783, in America. This is the only still life known by him. A piece of paper with his name and 'London' lies under the palette and brushes. The picture presents the tools of his trade as part of a rich still life arrangement which, with its lush grapes, full-blown roses and honeysuckle, is literally suggestive of the sweet smell of success. It may have been a student exercise in colour and handling, or it could have served as a charming advertisement in the painter's studio or shop window.

September 2004