"Granate" — Chloë Holt RCA FRSA

Granate is an atmospheric still-life painting by British contemporary artist Chloë Holt, bringing together the rich symbolism of the pomegranate, the sculptural forms of dried thistles and the quiet beauty of a 17th-century pewter plate.

The pomegranates rest within the shallow pewter vessel, its softly reflective surface capturing the subdued luminosity of winter light. Above them, the delicate, spiky fronds of dried thistles introduce a contrasting fragility, their intricate silhouettes suspended against the pale, textured background.

Throughout the history of art, the pomegranate has carried profound symbolic associations with fertility, abundance, mortality and resurrection, appearing frequently in Renaissance and religious painting. The dried thistles, with their thorned forms and faded beauty, introduce a quieter reflection upon the transience of nature and the passing seasons.

Working in mixed media and oil on paper, Chloë explores the interplay between light, texture and form. Delicate washes, expressive drawn marks and passages of richly worked pigment create a surface that moves between careful observation and abstraction. The restrained palette of muted greys, chalky whites and earthy tones allows the warmth of the fruit and the subtle sheen of the pewter to emerge.

There is a particular stillness to Granate, a sense of objects momentarily held in the thin, expectant light of winter. The painting reflects Chloë's enduring fascination with historical artefacts, natural forms and the quiet dialogue between beauty and impermanence.

Medium: Mixed media and oil on paper
Frame: Glazed modern slim gold frame

Painting dimensions: 70 × 50 cm
Framed dimensions: 71 × 51 cm