still life with basket of flowers, pineapple, and basket of fruit

Philton Latortue, artist

born 1944, active 1962–present

still life with basket of flowers, pineapple, and basket of fruit, circa 1970

Where object was made: Haiti

Material/technique: paint; hardboard

Dimensions:
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 50 x 40.5 cm
Canvas/Support (Height x Width x Depth): 19 11/16 x 15 15/16 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 22 1/4 x 18 1/4 x 0 3/4 in

Credit line: Mary Lou Vansant Hughes Collection

Accession number: 2011.0294

Not on display

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In this painting by Philton Latortue, cool greens and blues in the flower bouquet contrast with the warm autumnal colors of the pineapple and basket of vegetables and fruits. The artist captures motion with a yellow petal shown in mid-air as it falls onto the table. Flowers in Haitian still lifes often reflect the cycle of birth, life, and death. The pineapple, symbolizing hospitality, suggests that this table is an offering to Erzulie, the lwa, or Vodou spirit, of love.