“Still Life, Peppermint Bottle” is an artwork by Paul Cézanne, an esteemed artist known for his role in the formation of Post-Impressionism. The oil on canvas painting was completed in 1895, encapsulating the essence of the Post-Impressionist movement with its vivid portrayal of objects and their interplay with space. This still life painting, measuring 65.7 by 82 cm, exemplifies Cézanne’s skill in transforming mundane subjects into visually complex arrangements notable for their compositional innovation and exploration of form.
The artwork presents an arrangement of objects on a table draped with a cloth. The centerpiece is a peppermint bottle, flanked by a transparent carafe and a selection of fruit, possibly peaches or apricots. These objects are set against a muted background with subtle gradations of green and blue, emphasizing the solidity and volume of each element within the composition. Cézanne’s brushwork varies across the canvas, from the smooth surfaces of the glassware to the more textured depiction of the fabric, demonstrating his mastery of painting techniques and his dedication to capturing the nuances of light and color. The overall effect is one that challenges the viewer’s perception of depth and perspective—a quintessential characteristic of Cézanne’s approach to still life that has had a defining impact on the development of modern art.
