Spanish school, following models of Tomás Yepes, XIX century.

Spanish school, following models of TOMÁS YEPES (Valencia, ca. 1610-1674); XIX century.
"Vase".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 67 x 88 cm.
The work presents a still life clearly inspired by the tradition of Tomás Yepes, one of the great representatives of the Valencian still life of the Spanish Baroque. The composition is organized around a fruit bowl located in the center of a plain table, an element that acts as a visual axis and brings balance to the whole scene. The background, constructed using a range of muted ochre and brown tones, creates a sober and silent atmosphere reminiscent of 17th century still lifes.
Inside the fruit bowl, peaches and small pears stand out, carefully distributed. On the table appear, on both sides, some fruits detached from the container: two peaches on the right and several pears on the left, as if they had fallen accidentally. However, this apparent spontaneity is totally controlled, something characteristic of Yepes' style. One of the most representative aspects of the work is the staticism of the scene. The soft and directed light highlights the velvety textures of the peaches and the delicacy of the pears, giving prominence to the meticulous observation of everyday objects.
The painting fully reflects the Baroque still life tradition, focused on the humble and detailed representation of food and household utensils. As in the works of Tomás Yepes, the interest lies not only in reproducing reality, but also in ennobling the everyday.
Tomás Yepes is considered the main still life painter of the Valencian Baroque and the great promoter of this genre in Valencia. Although he was born around 1610, he developed most of his work in the second half of the 17th century, maintaining a fairly constant style until his death in 1674. Although there is little biographical information about the artist, there are known works signed between 1642 and 1674. Currently, his paintings are kept in important institutions such as the Prado Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia and the Monastery of the Descalzas Reales, in addition to various public and private collections.