Fruit Painting Appraisal

Still Life Oil Painting with Fruit and Pottery

This item is an oil painting depicting a 'Vanitas' or still life composition, framed in a multi-toned wooden frame. The painting features an arrangement of objects against a dark, draped green background. On the left, a tall, ornate pitcher or ewer with a handle is visible, decorated with colorful, almost iridescent patterns in blues, reds, and yellows. To its right, there's a tall, stemmed goblet or lidded vessel with a textured or carved base, appearing to be made of a dark, possibly carved wood or metal, topped with a greenish-blue cup or bowl that contains a darker liquid. On a light-colored ledge or table surface, a turquoise or teal colored bowl, possibly glass or ceramic, holds an assortment of citrus fruits, specifically two lemons and an orange, along with some green leaves. Another small, metallic, bell-shaped object is visible to the right of the fruit. The overall color palette is rich and somewhat muted, typical of traditional still life painting, with dark greens, browns, and pops of bright fruit and pottery colors. Brushwork appears visible, suggesting a textured application of paint. The signature, an indistinct 'Duroch' or similar, is located in the lower-left quadrant. The frame itself is a multi-layered design, featuring an inner white or off-white liner, followed by a thin gold-toned fillet, and then a wider, outer frame with a simulated wood grain pattern in varying shades of brown. The frame shows some signs of use or age, with minor scuffs and wear visible. The painting technique appears to be representational with some expressive qualities.