What is the thematic context of Bananas in a Basket?

parisian modern art, floral symbolism, elegance, cultural heritage legacy, artist’s artistic vision, nanyang style influence

Is Bananas in a Basket under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

Buy a print of Bananas in a Basket - French Impressionism, Mature Period

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Bananas in a Basket

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Bananas in a Basket

Oil On Canvas
WallArt
French Impressionism
38.0 x 55.0 cm
National Gallery Singapore

Discover Georgette Chen (Zhang Liying), a pioneering Singaporean artist of the School of Paris & Nanyang Style. Explore her vibrant oil paintings, still lifes, landscapes, and contributions to modern art education in Southeast Asia.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Image)

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Framed

Framed with Antique Wood Gesso

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Description from JS

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You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

No Glossy Varnish

Add Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture) + $15

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

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$ 69

ExclamationCircle Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Bananas in a Basket

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

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Reproduction Frame

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ExclamationCircle For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a ready-to-assemble kit. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Easy to assemble using the provided screws - no glue needed.
Assembly guide included; setup takes under 10 minutes with a standard screwdriver.

Important:
Tightening the canvas on the assembled frame may require a canvas stretching plier tool, which is not included in the kit. This tool helps ensure proper tension and a professional finish.

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

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Urgent

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Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 4/5 weeks. (13 September).

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Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

Dimensions: 38 x 55 cm
Influences: Paris School
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Artist: Georgette Chen
Movement: Nanyang Style
Artistic style: Still Life

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What is the primary subject matter of "Bananas in a Basket"?

A Landscape Scene

A Portrait of a Woman

Still Life Featuring Fruit

Question 2:

Which artistic style is Georgette Chen primarily associated with?

Cubism

Impressionism

Surrealism

Question 3:

What medium was used to create "Bananas in a Basket"?

Watercolor

Acrylic Paint

Oil Paint

Question 4:

In what decade was "Bananas in a Basket" painted?

1920s

1940s

1960s

Question 5:

Where did Georgette Chen spend her formative artistic education?

Tokyo

London

Paris

Georgette Chen’s “Bananas in a Basket”: A Symphony of Color and Texture

Georgette Chen (Zhang Liying), born in Paris, France to Chinese parents, stands as a cornerstone of Singaporean modern art—a figure whose unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and artistic exploration continues to resonate today. Her oeuvre is characterized by a remarkable blend of influences, primarily rooted in the École de Paris movement alongside elements of Nanyang Style, resulting in paintings that capture both European sophistication and Southeast Asian vibrancy.

A Portrait of Still Life Elegance

“Bananas in a Basket” exemplifies Chen’s mastery of still life composition. The painting depicts an assortment of fruits—bananas prominently positioned at the center—alongside apples, oranges, and vases strategically placed to create visual balance. This careful arrangement isn't merely decorative; it speaks to Chen’s profound understanding of how color and texture interact to convey emotion and narrative.

Technique and Color Palette: Impressionistic Depth

Chen employed an impressionistic technique—primarily oil on canvas—characterized by loose brushstrokes and a focus on capturing fleeting moments of light. The artist skillfully utilized a palette dominated by earthy tones – ochres, siennas, and umbers – punctuated by splashes of vibrant hues like lemon yellow and crimson red. These colors aren’t simply descriptive; they imbue the scene with warmth and luminosity, inviting viewers into a contemplative space.

Historical Context: Embracing Tradition Amidst Modernity

Created around 1953-1955 during Chen's Penang-Singapore period, “Bananas in a Basket” reflects the broader artistic landscape of Singapore’s burgeoning modernist movement. While influenced by European avant-garde principles, Chen simultaneously honored traditions inherited from her Chinese heritage—a duality that defines her distinctive style and contributes to its enduring appeal.

Symbolism Beyond Representation

Beyond its visual beauty, “Bananas in a Basket” carries symbolic weight. The banana itself has long been associated with fertility and prosperity – motifs frequently found in Asian art traditions. Chen’s deliberate inclusion of these elements elevates the painting beyond mere depiction, transforming it into an evocative meditation on themes of abundance and harmony.

Emotional Resonance: Tranquility and Reflection

The overall mood conveyed by “Bananas in a Basket” is one of serene tranquility—a feeling reinforced by Chen’s masterful use of color and brushwork. The painting invites contemplation, encouraging viewers to appreciate the subtle nuances of light and texture while immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world. It remains a testament to Chen's ability to capture not just what she sees but also what she feels.

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Paul Cézanne still life with a ginger jar and eggplants

Still Life With Milk Jug And Fruit — Paul Cézanne, Impressionism

Paul Cézanne Still Life with Milk Jug and Fruit

Sunflowers — Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin, Post-impressionist Movement

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Still Life With Cut Apple And Orange — Georgette Chen, School Of Paris

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Still Life With Mig And Carafe — Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin, Impressionism

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin Still Life with Mig and Carafe

Lotus In A Breeze — Georgette Chen, Impressionism

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Still-life With Self-portrait — Cornelis Norbertus Gysbrechts (cornelius Gijsbrechts), Baroque

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Artist Biography

A Life Between Worlds: The Cosmopolitan Roots of Georgette Chen

Georgette Liying Chendana Chen, known to many by her Chinese name Zhang Liying, was an artist whose very existence bridged the gap between the East and the West. Born in Paris in 1906 to Chinese parents, her early years were a tapestry of global movement, woven through the bustling streets of Shanghai, the sophisticated salons of Paris, and the vibrant energy of New York City. This nomadic childhood, facilitated by her father Zhang Renjie—a prominent antique dealer with international connections—gifted her a unique, multicultural lens through which to view the world. Her education was as diverse as her upbringing; she honed her technical prowess at the Art Students League of New York before immersing herself in the prestigious traditions of the Académie Colarossi and Académie Biloul in Paris. This rigorous training provided the foundation for a style that would eventually become synonymous with the birth of modernism in Southeast Asia.

The School of Paris and the Birth of a Nanyang Vision

The essence of Chen’s artistry lies in her masterful synthesis of European modernism and Asian sensibilities. During her formative years in France, she was deeply moved by the School of Paris, an era defined by radical experimentation and the breaking of traditional boundaries. The works of masters such as Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, and Braque left an indelible mark on her soul, teaching her to embrace bold color palettes and structured compositions. She skillfully integrated the rhythmic vitality of Fauvism with the delicate light-play of Impressionism, creating a visual language that felt both avant-garde and deeply intimate. As she moved through different landscapes, her canvases began to pulse with the warmth of the tropics, blending the sophisticated techniques of the West with the vibrant, sun-drenched subject matter of her heritage.

A Legacy of Color and Light: The Nanyang Style

Chen’s historical significance is most profoundly felt in her role as a pioneer of the Nanyang Style. This movement, which sought to define a unique Southeast Asian modernism, found its heartbeat in her ability to capture the local essence through a global technique. Her paintings are celebrated for their evocative depictions of everyday life, ranging from serene landscapes to intimate still lifes. In works such as Still Life with Cut Apple and Orange, one can witness her mastery of form and color, where the simple beauty of fruit is elevated to a moment of profound aesthetic contemplation. Similarly, her Lotus in a Breeze serves as a breathtaking testament to her ability to capture movement and tranquility, reflecting the lush, natural splendor of Singapore.

Enduring Influence and Artistic Triumph

Beyond the canvas, Georgette Chen’s legacy is one of cultural bridge-building and educational inspiration. Her life's work stands as a monumental contribution to the art history of Singapore and the wider region, proving that modernism could be localized without losing its universal power. Her achievements are not merely found in her celebrated collections—such as those housed in the National Gallery Singapore—but in the way she paved the way for future generations of Southeast Asian artists to explore their own identities through a modern lens. Through her self-portraits and landscapes, she left behind a visual diary of a woman who navigated the complexities of identity, culture, and art with unparalleled grace and vision.

georgette chen

1906 - 1993 , France

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: School of Paris & Nanyang Style
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Impressionism
- Fauvism
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Paul Cézanne
- Vincent van Gogh
Date Of Birth: October 23, 1906
Date Of Death: March 15, 1993
Full Name: Georgette Chen Liying
Nationality: Singaporean
Notable Artworks:
- Bananas in a basket
- Self-portrait
Place Of Birth: Paris, France

Nature's Bounty: The Art History of Fruit Arrangement Masterpieces and the Baroque Still Life Tradition

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Nature's Bounty: The Timeless Allure and Art History of Fruit Still Life Paintings

Discover the profound beauty of fruit still life paintings. Explore the rich symbolism, Baroque mastery, and timeless allure of nature's bounty through an art-historical lens, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of classical fine art.

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Sip Through History: The Timeless Elegance of Still Life and the Art of the Draught

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The Timeless Beauty of Oil on Canvas: A Masterclass in Texture, Impasto, and Artistic Mastery

Discover the profound allure of oil on canvas. Explore the mastery of impasto textures, the science of pigment longevity, and expert guides to selecting museum-quality reproductions that elevate your collection with timeless elegance and tactile depth.

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Georgette Chen: The Full Collection

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Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Reproduction Size

Protective Varnish

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 69

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

Art Quiz

Georgette Chen’s “Bananas in a Basket”: A Symphony of Color and Texture

A Portrait of Still Life Elegance

Technique and Color Palette: Impressionistic Depth

Historical Context: Embracing Tradition Amidst Modernity