Born in England, Brookes emigrated to the United States at age sixteen but returned to England in the 1840 to pursue his artistic studies. In 1847 he returned to the States, and thereafter, enjoyed a highly successful career as a portrait, miniature, landscape and still life painter. In 1862 he settled in San Francisco. It was there that he began to paint elaborate floral and fruit still life paintings which are noted for their meticulous attention to detail and realistic presentation. Note the trompe-l'oeil (trick the eye) fly that appears to rest on the vase as well as on the surface of the painting.

oil paint, canvas

Measurements:    canvas height: 31 inches    canvas width: 26.25 inches    frame depth: 4 inches    frame height: 37 inches    frame width: 32 inches

The Beasley-Weskett Collection. Gift of Clarence and Julia Beasley 2002.100.2

Currently on view at Mint Museum UPTOWN