Still Life with Ginger Jar and Pound Cake

John Frederick Peto's work should be viewed as a continuation of a still life legacy that had its roots in his hometown of Philadelphia. Peto was exposed to such work in Philadelphia and as a student under Thomas Eakins. What he was able to add to this tradition was a wonderful handling of color, and an understanding of the nuances of light. The painting seen here is of cake, a ginger jar, peaches, and almonds-all recognizable agents of sensory delight. Like much of his other work these have been placed in a stylized fashion for this painting, they are organized and considered in their placement.