Lot 48: John Haberle 1856-1933 , Basket of Purple Grapes with Four Apples oil on canvas, unframed

signed Haberle , l.r. oil on canvas, unframed

measurements 10 1/2 by 15 3/4 in. alternate measurements 26.7 by 40 in.

By descent in the family of the artist's wife to the present owner

Painted circa 1890
Because of increasing eye strain caused by Haberle's precise trompe l'oeil painting, he began to use looser brushwork as in the present work during the 1890s. He probably produced a number of similar, small still-life paintings which could be painted quickly and sold at reasonable prices. This impressionistic style was called "broad work" at the time. Many Haberle paintings in this style are still unlocated. The bright, sunny highlights suggest that the work may have been painted outdoors. We are grateful to Gertrude Grace Sill for her help in cataloguing this lot.