Mid century French oil on canvas still life of fruit and flowers by Roger Nivelt. The painting is signed and dated bottom left and presented in a fine patinated Montparnasse frame.

A wonderful colourful and vibrant painting of a classic still life composition, featuring a harmonious arrangement of objects that capture the essence of refined simplicity. Central to the piece is a ceramic bowl brimming with vivid apples, their crimson hues contrasting starkly with the muted tones of the surrounding elements. Adjacent, an elegant wine bottle stands tall, casting subtle shadows that enhance the painting's depth. Behind these, two lush chrysanthemums add a burst of white and pink, introducing a dynamic balance to the dark foreground. The draped white cloth underneath provides texture and movement, guiding the viewer's eye across the scene. The artist's masterful use of light and shadow, alongside the intricate detailing of the ornate frame, lends the painting a timeless quality, evoking a sense of tranquillity and abundance. This piece excels in its composition and expert blending of colours, making it a striking and memorable work.

The son of a druggist from rue Saint-Antoine, Roger Nivelt entered the Académie Julian in Paris in 1919 after his demobilization and participated in his first Salon in 1923. An "original and independent" colonial painter, he won the French West Africa Prize in 1925, which allowed him to reside for more than a year in the Dogon country. After winning the Abd-el-Tif prize in 1934, he was part of the Reygasse mission to the tomb of Tin Hinan in the Hoggar the same year. An orientalist and Africanist painter, Roger Nivelt is in the tradition of Paul Élie Dubois. He participated in artistic competitions at the Olympic Games in 1932.