Flame Tokay Grapes
What associations do grapes bring to your mind?
A self-taught master of the still life, Deakin combined in this painting his fascination for the light effects on the translucent red grapes and the Gothic-style carved stone arch that frames the fruit. In addition to its obvious visual appeal, the Flame Tokay table grape, a popular varietal in the late 19th century, was found most commonly in the warmer regions of California; the painting may have been meant as a tribute to the artist’s adopted state.
\ Artist
Edwin Deakin
Edwin Deakin was born in Sheffield, England, and at age 12 apprenticed in lacquering furniture; this would be his only formal art training. He eventually moved to San Francisco and opened a studio. Active with the San Francisco Art Association, he befriended many artists and made numerous painting trips throughout California, successfully exhibiting and selling paintings based on his extensive travel sketches.
\ About
Oil on canvas
Gift of Charles Hirsch