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This exquisite still life oil painting by Hungarian artist Béla Balogh (1910–1980), painted circa 1950, is a masterclass in mid-20th-century European realism. Richly detailed and classically composed, the artwork features a luxurious tabletop scene brimming with fruit, flowers, and ornate vessels arranged on a white satin cloth.
At the center of the composition, a silver bowl glistens with grapes, peaches, apples, and other fruit—each rendered with precise, lifelike texture and luminous color. Beside it, golden goblets and an elaborate ewer, likely crafted from porcelain and gilt metal, evoke the splendor of aristocratic interiors.
A lavish bouquet of lilacs and peonies anchors the left side of the canvas, contrasting vibrantly against a cascading blue velvet drapery and a cream silk backdrop. The interplay of textures—from fabric to polished metal—demonstrates Balogh’s technical brilliance and reverence for traditional still life artistry.
Signed in the lower right, this painting is a pristine example of Balogh’s romantic academic style. Echoing the influence of Dutch Golden Age and French 17th-century masters, his composition is both timeless and richly evocative.
Béla Balogh was a Hungarian painter acclaimed for his elegant still lifes and floral studies. Educated at Hungarian academies in the interwar period, he mastered traditional techniques rooted in Baroque and Academic Realism. Influenced by the Dutch Golden Age, Balogh specialized in richly textured, harmonious compositions that radiated elegance and refinement.
Active throughout WWII and the postwar period, Balogh gained recognition among collectors in Hungary, Austria, and Germany for his devotion to classical beauty and order. He remained largely outside avant-garde movements, choosing instead to uphold a timeless, decorative aesthetic.
Though rarely exhibited in museums, his works were cherished in private collections and remain highly sought after by admirers of traditional European art.
Artist: Bela Balogh (1909-1980)
Signed in the lower right corner.
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Dimensions: 79 x 61 cm. / 31 x 24 in.
Frame: 99,5 x 79 cm. / 39 x 31 ½ in. Sculpted, distressed wood finish, off-white and gold. Good general condition.
Provenance: Private collection, Canada.
