Melon and Lemon

French 19th Century

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows a large yellow lemon resting upright next to a wide slice of yellow fruit on top of a white plate. A long, light-green stem emerges from the top of the lemon, and several dark green leaves sprout from it. Under the plate is a draped white tablecloth that is painted with hints of light blue and green. A silver butter knife is on the tablecloth in front of the fruit plate. In the background, colorful patterns stand out against a gray wall. The patterns are mainly floral designs in shades of orange, light pink, purple, and yellow.