Grapes in Colour

A charming 20th century still life composition depicting a generous cluster of grapes resting upon a warm wooden surface, executed in tempera on board by the established Swedish artist Eric Cederberg (1897-1984), whose artworks have been represented in several public and museum collections across Sweden.

Deep violet, plum and near-black grapes mingle with luminous shades of lime and pale green, creating a rich interplay of colour and contrast. A scattering of broad, verdant leaves extends beneath the fruit, lending a sense of movement and balance to the composition.

Rendered in a distinctive modernist style, the painting combines simplified, rounded forms with carefully considered tonal variations. The artist’s controlled, deliberate brushstrokes and smooth, matte application of tempera lend the work an almost illustrative quality, while subtle highlights and layered shades give the grapes a pleasing sense of volume and depth.

The warm chestnut and honey-brown tones of the wood provide an earthy counterpoint to the jewel-like fruit, while the stark black background heightens the composition’s striking colours and sculptural simplicity.

This tempera on board is presented in a complementary gilt frame, complemented by a wide cream mount with a subtle metallic border. Both the painting and frame are in excellent vintage condition.

Size: 21 x 29 cm (including frame)