"Nature Morte Pasteque" Still Life With Watermelon Mid-Century Oil Painting by Peter Orlando, Framed

Description

Stunning mid-century still life painting that captures the essence of classic MCM design and art, "Nature Morte Pasteque" or "Still … more Stunning mid-century still life painting that captures the essence of classic MCM design and art, "Nature Morte Pasteque" or "Still Life with Watermelon" by Paris School artist Peter Orlando. This beautiful painting depicts classic European subject matter, including watermelon, grapes, water jug, oil decanter, and wine bottle, painted in the distinctive style of mid-20th century Paris School.

This work is signed lower right and presented in a period gilt and fabric frame original to the painting when it was sold via the legendary Marshall Field & Co Picture Gallery, as indicated by one of the tags on the back. The canvas is signed "Peter Orlando" L.R. & in verso "ORLANDO" on the stretcher bar in red wax pencil, "PETER" inverso on canvas" and the title in pen T.R. in pen

Measuring at 20 3/4" x 27 3/8" with the frame and 16" x 22" without, this beautiful piece is sure to make a statement in any room. This painting showcases Orlando's gift for the "primitive style" with a wholly recognizable personal touch.

Peter Orlando's story is equally as captivating as his work. Born in Orange, New Jersey in 1921 to Italian parents, Orlando always wanted to paint. He studied at the "Academy of Arts" in Newark, New Jersey before WWII. During the war, he went to Paris and married a Parisian girl named Denise. The G.I. Bill helped him realize his dream of becoming a painter, and he entered the Paris Academy of Beaux Arts at the Brianchon Studio where he stayed for nearly five years. Orlando found a way to make a living in manufacturing ceramics with his wife's help, which allowed him to paint freely.

Orlando was a member of the "Salon d'Automne" and exhibited at the "Young Painters at the "National Terre Latine." His obituary appeared in Le Figaro, Paris's most prestigious paper. In St. Jean-Lespinasse, a neighboring town of Saint-Céré, there is a small museum, "L'Espace Orlando" within sight of his final churchyard-cemetery resting place, that is devoted to his paintings and the ceramics that he and Denise created.

The unique style of Peter Orlando's work has earned him a place in art history, and his paintings continue to inspire collectors of art and design enthusiasts around the world. This beautiful still life painting is a testament to his talent and vision, and it will undoubtedly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space it graces. Own a piece of art history with this exquisite Peter Orlando painting!

Artist: Peter Orlando (American/French, 1921-2009)
Title: Nature Morte Pasteque (Still Life with Watermelon)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size w/frame: 20 3/4" x 27 3/8"
Painting measures 16" x 22"
Condition: Wear commensurate with age and use a professional cleaning would do wonders to showcase this true vibrancy of this piece less