About the Artwork

A bountiful late summer harvest is laid out on a table in this small painting. The white, red, and black grapes are perfectly ripe, catching glimmers of light on their skin. Fresh, firm, and seemingly juicy, they cascade toward the edge of the table, tempting the viewer to reach out and taste one. Their curly vines playfully dance across the picture. On the right are two peaches—one with the stem and three leaves still attached, as if it has just been picked. The other is only a half, suggesting that someone has already enjoyed the rest.

Mary Jane Peale, granddaughter of the famous painter Charles Willson Peale, began studying art as a young woman. Although women faced significant barriers to pursuing an artistic career, Mary Jane benefited from her family connections in the art world. She trained with several well known artists and took classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. When she painted Grapes and Peaches she was living with her parents on a farm outside of Philadelphia. Her father, Rubens, devoted most of his life to museum work but was also a gifted gardener. At age 71, he took up painting. Mary Jane gave him instruction and helped him finish his works. The two artists inspired each other.

Related Images

About Our Products

Quality


This Art on Demand Store is your exclusive source for reproductions authorized and available for purchase directly from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. All items that are offered are produced using gallery quality materials and the color is managed in a manner that produces a reproduction as true to the original as technology will allow.

Selection


Many of the works offered through this store are exclusive and not available anywhere else. In addition, new works are continually added to the offering so make sure to come back and see the new releases.

Customization


You have found the work that speaks to you. Now what? Using our innovative custom framing tool you can preview exactly what your finished and framed art will look like. We offer many different moulding styles so there is sure to be a match for any type of decor.

Member Discounts

As always, members will receive their discount for all transactions processed through our Art on Demand Store. Simply enter your member id during the checkout process and your discount will be applied.