Amon Carter Museum Acquires Raphaelle Peale Work

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art has acquired a Raphaelle Peale painting called "Peaches and Grapes in a Chinese Export Basket."

Museum officials in Fort Worth on Friday announced acquisition of the 1813 artwork.

It's the first work by Peale to enter the Amon Carter Museum collection. The still-life painting was purchased in memory of the museum's founder, Ruth Carter Stevenson, who died last year.

Experts say the painting, which goes on exhibit Tuesday, is one of Peale's earliest signed and dated pictures. The carefully composed, well-balanced painting displays the artist's skills at illusionism. The painting was owned by a family and passed down through the generations.

Museum director Andrew Walker says the painting provides an opportunity to tell the story of how still life became a respected art form.

Still life involves carefully arranged objects.