Narcisse Diaz was a prominent member of the Barbizon School, a group of French painters who often worked near the Fontainebleau forest and are considered important precursors to the Impressionists.
Though he is best known for his landscapes and romantic forest scenes (often featuring figures), this work is one of his few still lifes. According to the MFA, the high-keyed, pastel colors in this piece likely reflect Diaz's early training as a porcelain decorator. The painting features his signature vigorous brushwork, which prioritizes broad areas of color and light over precise detail.
