Levi Wells Prentice was born in Lewis County, New York and became known for painting still lifes in landscapes. “His still lifes were of two types, either arrangements placed in the landscape or close-ups of fruit growing on trees or falling out of baskets.” By 1894 he primarily painted highly polished and well defined apples.

Ready for Picking, c. 1894, depicts a close-up view of an apple tree. The microscopic detail and texture of the leaves, branches, and apples directly relates to Prentice’s painting speciality. The bright green leaves and brown stems and bark contrast with the red and yellow tinted apples.