Andrew John Henry Way painted Red Grapesin 1876, the same year that he won a medal “for excellence in still life” at the Philadelphia Centennial. The following ode to his grape paintings is preserved at the Maryland Historical Society: A Cluster of Grapes On Viewing an Inimitable “Fruit Piece.” Painted by Mr. A. J. H. Way, the Eminent Baltimore Artist By Ex-Lieutenant Governor C. C. Cox I don’t believe ‘tis a picture at all —That cluster of grapes on the old brown wall! The stem fresh cut from the parent vine I can almost grasp in this hand of mine, Where it hangs, in relief, with its luscious freight, From a rusty nail, full two pound’s weight... You may pluck off a handful of globes, if you will, But the bunch of grapes will remain there still; And stronger and stronger th’illusion grows, Still fresher surprises your glances disclose — Ah! I stretch out my hand, and the wonder flies — Tis a painted cluster that greets my eyes!