Books on a Table
Oil on canvas
John Frederick Peto
American (1854-1907)
John Frederick Peto painted still life arrangements almost exclusively, a choice likely inspired by its strong tradition in his native Philadelphia, begun almost a century earlier by the Peale family. Books on a Table presents a variety of objects associated with a gentleman's study. Precariously balanced, the arrangement suggests contemplation, if not lament, of the end of the 19th century. The quill pen and candle mark technologies that were antiquated by 1900. The magically turning pages of the book at the apex of the composition invoke the passage of time. The isolated and neglected objects may also symbolize the painter himself, who created his art in virtual seclusion.
Maverick Mist 
To me, it looks as though it was done in the style of 17th century Eurpoean painting.
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It does GP. He was influenced a lot by an Irish-American painter, William Harnett.
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Precariously balanced indeed. If it wasn’t for the attractiveness of the objects and the warm colours
I could have been called “messy”.
It is indeed important to know what went through the artist’s mind in all arts.
miriam
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He does have a lot of clutter on his table. 🙂
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This is beautiful. I adore books, I would hang this on my front wall! Thank you Maverick!
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Dear madam, perhaps it would look better hanging in the study of the Holly mansion, no? I like books too, thanks. 🙂
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I would definitely find a great spot for this. 😊
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I’m sure you would. 🙂
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Just had to comment on this too, i am trying to sketch more and i love still lifes of food and flowers, but i haven’t seen a still life of a pile of books yet! thanks
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Thanks for your comment. Keep up the sketching. 🙂
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Love the picture. I wonder what he would have painted at the end of the 20th century? Probably not anything as poetic.
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Screensavers perhaps. 🙂
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