Cornelius Hankins (Mississippi/Tennessee/Virginia, 1863-1946) oil on canvas still life painting depicting an assortment of fruits, including melons, peaches, plums, berries, and grapes, along with the handle of an overflowing basket, upon which perches a bird. The bird tends to a nest containing three eggs that has been constructed amidst the fruit. In the upper right a second bird joins its companion as it alights on the branch of a small tree that emerges from the shadowy background, contrasting with the vibrant colors of the fruits. Signed and dated "Cornelius Hankins 1896," lower right. Housed in a ribbed giltwood frame with foliate corners. Affixed to the backing of the frame are a biographical label with text from "Who Was Who in American Art;" a sticker from Painting Conservation, Asheville, NC; and a H & K Gallery, Spartanburg, SC business card. Canvas: 30 1/4" H x 25" W. Frame: 40" H x 35" W. Biography: Mississippi-born Cornelius Hankins studied art in Nashville in 1883 under Professor Edwin M. Gardner and with Robert Henri, leader of the Ashcan School in St. Louis, and noted American Impressionist William Merritt Chase in New York. He taught in Richmond, Virginia for about 5 years before returning to Nashville to teach at the Nashville School of Art. He painted a number of landscapes and still lifes–typically less lavish than the present example–but made most of his income from portraits. Despite this, his still lifes perhaps best demonstrate his abilities as a painter. Works such as this painting show the influence of the 18th-century still life painter Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, who created similarly tenebristic and moody images. Hankins also painted a number of prominent Southern subjects including Civil War officers and several governors.

PROVENANCE: Private South Carolina Collection.

CONDITION: Condition is excellent with small area of faint craquelure in upper right quadrant of painting and scattered scuff marks to top of frame, not visible from front. Painting has been professionally cleaned.