“Red Apples” is an artwork by Gustave Courbet, dated to 1871, reflecting the Realism art movement. As a still life genre painting, it presently resides in a private collection. The artwork demonstrates Courbet’s commitment to portraying the natural world without artifice or embellishment, which was characteristic of Realism.
The artwork depicts a simple yet evocative scene of three red apples arranged on a undefined surface. The fruit exhibits rich, vibrant hues of red with a sense that the painter has captured the essence of their form with broad, confident brushstrokes. Shadows and highlights on the apples suggest a source of light coming from the left, giving the fruit volume and a sense of roundness. The background of the painting is predominantly dark, allowing the brightly colored apples to stand out prominently. Beneath the apples, the surface on which they rest appears to be roughly textured, possibly suggesting a wooden table or another natural material.
Courbet’s skillful use of color and light brings these everyday objects to life with a palpable presence. The signature of the artist is evident on the lower right of the artwork, linking the creator indelibly to his work. Despite the painting’s simplicity, it conveys a strong impression of the tangible qualities of the apples, emblematic of Courbet’s dedication to the realistic and tangible aspects of the world in his art.
