Tony Scherman (1950-2023) is one of the most collected and cherished Canadian artists. He is renowned internationally for his work in encaustic (a mix of wax and oil, one of the most difficult mediums to work in).

Scherman frequently alludes to the grandeur of past centuries, both in his subject matter and the technique of encaustic painting . The artist is continuing a tradition, of working with this material, that has been propelled through art history by a diverse number of canonical artists including Pieter Claesz, Caravaggio, and Cézanne.

Still lifes are one of Scherman's signature subjects. He has repeatedly depicted them on canvas, on paper, and with printmaking.

This luminous depiction of a fruit and flower arrangement serves as a fantastic example of Scherman's signature aesthetic and masterly technique. Through rich, textured layers of brushwork and delicate licks of color, Scherman expertly portrays a collection of abundant peonies, a cluster of peaches, and a handful of crimson cherries, all illuminated by a single and direct light source.

Like this piece, many of Scherman's works from the turn of the millennium have this strikingly dark background, evocative of chiaroscuro.

Scherman’s work can be found in nearly every public collection in Canada, as well as many international museums including LACMA (Los Angeles) and Centre Pompidou (Paris)

Condition: very good