The Boy with a Basket of Fruit

"The Boy with a Basket of Fruit" is a still-life painting by Caravaggio that depicts a young boy holding a basket filled with ripe fruits, some of which appear to be rotting. The artwork highlights the contrast between vitality and decay, symbolizing the transient nature of life and abundance. Caravaggio's skillful use of realistic details and dramatic lighting emphasizes the texture and freshness of the fruit, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the fleeting pleasure of worldly possessions. It combines everyday subject matter with profound symbolism, characteristic of Caravaggio's compelling style.