A rare still-life painter from Philadelphia, Joseph Biays Ord is considered to be an important link between the early works of Raphaelle and James Peale and the profusion of still life painters at mid-century. Working during this period of relative inactivity between 1831-1845, Ord quickly achieved widespread recognition and acclaim, exhibiting frequently in Philadelphia and New York. Continual success in still life overshadowed his minor experimentations in portraiture and figure painting.

An abundance of fruit, nuts and porcelain commonly fills his table-top compositions, revealing his continually optimistic outlook afforded by unfailing financial assurance. In Still Life with Vase, Fruit and Nuts, figs, peaches, walnuts and a plump orange embellish the depiction of two imported ceramics whose implicit exoticism is further adorned by a richly colored plaid textile. In this precisely rendered painting, Ord has created a still life masterpiece with a multitude of forms and colors, textural variations and exquisite light reflections.