Still Life with Oranges Oil Painting

Still Life with Oranges

This Still Life with Oranges is an original, one-of-a-kind 16 x 20 inch oil painting by Tatyana Zen. Unique opportunity to purchase this artwork directly from the artist. Part of the Old Masters Collection, this painting the artists modern adaptation of the Spanish Golden Age art. Influenced by Luis Meléndez, the greatest still life painter of the 18th century. While his rare paintings sell for millions of dollars at the auction houses, you too can add a piece of the Old Masters to your collection.

100% satisfaction guarantee with our 30 day Exchange Policy. This original painting is signed by the artist on the front and back. In addition, it is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity. Secure shipping with full value insurance. Painted on the 100% cotton canvas, professionally stretched and wrapped around 0.75 inch stretcher bars. You have an option to purchase it either unframed or framed (as shown in photo). If you choose the painting framed, it arrives ready to hang with wire on the back. Ready to ship in 3 business days.

If you admire the masterpieces of renown still life painters like Caravaggio, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Willem Heda , Juan Sánchez Cotán,  you will appreciate this simple and elegant Spanish Baroque style painting. It features a masterful use of chiaroscuro and glazing technique that gives luminosity and depth of color. Great addition to any traditional or modern décor. Interestingly, mixing art styles in your home has become a trend. Read tips and ideas from E-Interiors interior design firm on how to successfully incorporate different art styles in contemporary interiors.

Also, check out other painting with fruit- Still Life with Oranges and the entire Also, check out the Still Life & Florals Collection.

Inspiration behind Painting

This Still Life with Oranges original painting was inspired by the bounty of nature and the Old Masters. In the sunny Crimea, my home land, the harvest is exceptionally flavorful and sweet.  As in any typical Russian family, every year women would preserve fruit and vegetables. I still remember my grandmother’s strawberry jam simmering on the wood burning stove.  An irresistibly pleasing aroma permeated the house. Eventually, this yummy goodness was poured into glass jars to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Back in 2001, I was a copyist at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. While working on a replica of the Still Life with Lemons by Willem Kalf, I was drawn to the exquisite Spanish Baroque style. In particular,  I loved the Still Life with Oranges by Luis Meléndez. What struck me was the mastery of composition and light, and remarkable ability to transform mundane of kitchen items into powerful images. I have combined my own elements, added transparent grapes, cracked walnuts and a jar of cherry jam.

Luis Meléndez, Master of Still Life

Recognized as one of the greatest still-life painters of the 18th century, Luis Meléndez (1716 – 1780) also ranks as one of the greatest painters of the genre in all Europe.  His paintings continue the rich still-life tradition of the Spanish Golden Age with detailed rendering of texture, the solidity of the objects and simplicity of the composition. Meléndez enriched the austere tradition of Spanish still life painting, established by the 17th-century Spanish Baroque masters Juan Sánchez Cotán and Francisco de Zurbarán.  Overshadowed for centuries by the work of fellow Spaniard Francisco Goya (1746-1828), Meléndez’s paintings have received increasing attention and appreciation in the recent years. In 2000, the National Gallery of Art acquired Still Life with Figs and Bread (c. 1770). In 2009,  Los Angeles County Museum of Art presented an exhibition titled “Luis Meléndez: Master of the Spanish Still Life” displaying 27 paintings.

Sotheby’s Sales:

• 2011  sold for $2,210,500 USD  Still Life with Tomatoes a Bowl of Aubergines and Onions
• 2019  sold for $1,021, 932 USD  Still life with a plate of apricots, cherries, bread, a wine cooler and receptacles

Meléndez, an accomplished painter of miniatures, began creating still lifes as early as 1759. In 1771 Prince of Asturias (later Charles IV), an avid amateur of the new science of natural history, commissioned him to paint an extensive series of works documenting “every species of food produced by the Spanish climate.” An inventive and consummate master of still lifes, the artist rendered everyday objects with exacting detail, but also created marvelous effects of light and color and a wide range and variety of textures. Meléndez has ennobled the simple still-life elements, depicting them as a celebration of nature, yet, with artful simplicity that is so appealing to the modern viewer.

About Tatyana Zen

Russian-born and California-based, Tatyana Zen is a classically trained artist. Tatyana’s background in technology, design and philosophy blends into colorful artistic voice, intricately reflecting different points of view.  In essence, her artwork draws inspiration from the human form, pop-culture, Zen philosophy and the Old Masters.

Tatyana was fortunate to learn the secrets of Old Masters as a copyist at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Furthermore, she has developed her own painting method to achieve luminosity and depth of color.  Tatyana often incorporates organic elements in her paintings from coffee and tobacco to diamonds and gold. Read Bio.