Joseph Jeffers Dodge (American, 1917 – 1997), Dancing Pears II, 1992, oil on panel, 16 x 20 in., Gift of Mr. Joseph Jeffers Dodge, AG.1996.2.59.
Dodge’s inspiration was borrowed pears ordered from the Harry and David catalogues that arrive in many American homes with great regularity during the holidays. The artist had refrigerated several of these and when he removed them the condensation made the paper cling to the fruit. He was struck immediately by the very real artistic and expressive possibilities he saw, much as he had been when he recognized potential subjects in torn packaging and odd shaped bread from Bologna.
The subtitle of Fandango refers to a lively Spanish dance. The paired canvases were among his most popular in the last exhibitions and Dodge himself admitted that he found them to be among his most successful late works.
“I like the realism and attention to detail, and the simplicity and balance of the composition. It focuses attention on things we don’t often notice every day.” – anonymous
The attention to detail in this painting is stunning. Stunning.
Lena, you should really see it in person if you haven’t already. It is amazing!
I lived next door to Jerry Dodge for many years. I remember after completing the painting I suggested to Jerry that we celebrate by preparing a dish of Pere al Vino. I donated a bottle of my finest four year old Barbaresco riservas and Dodge gathered up the cloves, sugar and cinnamon sticks. After about an hour of vigorous simmering in the vino the slightly grainy flesh of the pears was ready to be transferred to a chilled platter and covered with the strained sweet sauce. The pears were elegant and Dodge exclaimed that he could taste the slight maritime influence of the Tanaro River from the Nebbiolo grapes.
I suggested perhaps he might be under the influence of too much Piemonte wine and the sunset view of Silver Smith Creek just beyond his deck. He chuckled as we toasted the pears in the sauce as well of those drying on the canvas.