Still Life with Pineapple by Lucien Martial, 1960s

Still Life with Pineapple', oil on panel, by Lucien Martial (circa 1960s). Like human life, fruit is perishable and ephemeral, and thus many believe that fruit acts as a representation of the transient nature of our existence. When the fruit in the portrayals appears to be fresh and ripe, this stands as a symbol of abundance, bounty, fertility, youth and vitality. Another fruit rich in symbolism in still life paintings is the pineapple, which can add texture and visual interest to the artwork. But it also implies luxury and wealth. Whether it is Paul Cézanne experimenting with perspective through painting still lifes of oranges or Andy Warhol commenting on American consumerism with an image of a Campbell's soup can, artists have continued to use food as a subject through to the present day. Lucien Martial depicts very ripe fruit in a shallow bowl with pineapple and pear on the side. They sit on a cloth on the table, a clear sign of abundance in this home. This piece is in good overall condition, newly framed with a French-style linen slip and it is signed by the artist in the lower right hand. Upon request a video may be provided. About the Artist : Lucien Martial (1892-1987), born into a family of craftsmen in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, his father sold flowers and feathers, his mother worked in embroidery. His teacher noted that his young pupil had a disposition for drawing and encouraged his parents to point him in that direction. He was admitted to the National School of Fine Arts in Fernand Cormon's studio. The 1914-1918 War interrupted his studies when he was mobilised in the infantry. He was seriously wounded by a bullet in the lung and was subsequently decorated with the military medal. Back in Paris, he resumed his studies at the Beaux-Arts. After a stay in the South of France, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed him professor at the School of Fine Arts in Montreal (Quebec) in 1925 where he remained for 10 years. The artist exhibited at the Salon of French artists in 1929 and 1950. He was appointed an official painter of the Navy in 1943, a particular honour in France. He died in Paris in 1987. Dimensions with Frame : H 57 cm / 22.4" W 76.5 cm / 30.1" Dimensions without Frame : H 46 cm / 18.1" W 65 cm / 25.6"