Fruit and Egg Cup on Table

Fruit and Egg Cup on Table by Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith

Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith, (circa) 1928

Listen to the free audio guide

0:00/0:00

About this artwork

This is the painting titled “Fruit and Egg Cup on Table” by Matthew Arnold Bracy Smith. Painted around 1928, it is an oil on canvas that captures a quiet, everyday moment. The artist uses a restrained palette that highlights the natural textures of the fruit and the smooth surface of the egg cup. The composition is simple, focusing the viewer’s eye on the small cluster of objects laid on a table, suggesting a still life that feels both intimate and timeless. The brushwork is meticulous, revealing Smith’s skill in rendering light and shadow on flat surfaces. Although the scene is modest, the careful balance of color and form invites contemplation about the beauty found in ordinary items. The piece exemplifies the quiet elegance that characterizes early twentieth‑century still lifes, offering a gentle reminder that art can be found in the simplest of settings.

See it in person

Fruit and Egg Cup on Table hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.

More from The Courtauld Gallery

Keep exploring