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An obscure figure in the history of American art, John Vanderlyn Jr. was based for much of his life in Kingston, New York, the family seat of the dynasty of Vanderlyn painters which included his great-grandfather, Pieter Vanderlyn (1687-1778). Vanderlyn Jr. was involved with artisan work as a sign and house painter, and as an independent artist was principally engaged in portrait painting.
This painting reflects the projection of boutifulness which characterizes much mid-19th century American still-life paintings by artists better known today, such as Severin Roesen (c. 1815-1871). Pears appear to dominate among the fruits in this picture, as they did in contemporary pomological literature; as early as 1845 the landscape gardener Alexander Jackson Downing (1815-1852) wrote tha "the Pear is undoubtedly the favorite fruit of modern times and modern cultivators."
Still Life: Fruit in a Classical Setting
John Vanderlyn, Jr. (1805-1876)
Oil on canvas, c. 1854-58
AIHA Collection
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