An incredibly beautiful 19th century still life oil painting on wood, signed Ziem in the lower right corner.   This really is a very special painting, it's an antique still life which is textured to the touch throughout.  The artist's expertise is evident in this composition, the light travels from the left and the painting darkens significantly towards the right.  Skilful play is made of the pears, their volumes are carefully carved and mastered with textured, impasto thickened layers and busy brushstrokes with occasional emphasis by a couteau or knife, as if sculptured by the artist.  Meanwhile, the grapes take second place to the initial study of the eye, although just as skillfully executed, their role is to guide the viewer towards the dark side.  The background appears to be of darkened azure sky, while the fore is of earthy hues.  
MORE ABOUT THIS PAINTING:
Medium: Oil on wood
Overall size: 30.5ins x 21ins or 78cms x 53cms (Approx)
Date: 1800's
Provenance: France.  
Signed: Ziem 
Condition:  This painting is in very good condition, but you should expect minor imperfections associated with age.  It comes in a very decorative gilt frame which has missing moulding and imperfections throughout, however, the whole is a very decorative piece.  
This painting is sent fully insured, track and trace with Colissimo.