The artwork “Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots” by Gustave Caillebotte is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, created sometime between circa 1871 and 1878. This still life is composed in oil on canvas and measures just 17 by 27 centimeters. Currently, it resides within a private collection, highlighting a subject preference of the period that often found beauty in the simplicity of everyday objects.
In the artwork, we observe a selection of ripe stone fruits which are the central subjects. They are rendered with a warm, soft palette that reflects the natural hues of peaches, nectarines, and apricots, suggesting the tender flesh beneath their skins. The fruits are positioned against a dark, indistinct background that provides a stark contrast to their vibrant colors, enhancing their visual appeal and drawing the viewer’s focus directly to them. The composition is intimate and straightforward, devoid of any extraneous elements that might distract from the fruit.
Caillebotte’s brushwork appears loose and fluid, characteristic of the Impressionist style, which aimed to capture fleeting moments and the play of light. The use of light and shadow in the painting suggests a light source that illuminates the fruits from one side, creating a naturalistic sense of volume and form. The intimate scale of the painting encourages close inspection, allowing viewers to appreciate the subtleties of Caillebotte’s technique and the overall serenity of the scene.
