Melons and Morning Glories
1813
Raphaelle Peale, the first professional American still-life painter, invites us to a surprisingly juicy feast in this 1813 masterpiece. A massive watermelon, sliced open to reveal its vibrant red flesh and scattered black seeds, dominates the scene alongside a textured cantaloupe and a dark glass bottle wrapped in delicate morning glory vines. These morning glories aren't just pretty decorations; they bloom at dawn and wither by dusk, serving as a classic reminder that life—and fresh fruit—is fleeting. Peale's incredible attention to detail makes the fruit look so real you might want to reach out and grab a slice!
Location: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia
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