The artwork titled “Still Life with Apples, a Pear and a Ceramic Portrait Jug” is a creation of the artist Paul Gauguin, dating back to 1889, originating from France. This oil on panel painting is a fine representation of the Post-Impressionism art movement and measures 28.5 by 36.2 cm. It is a still life genre painting that currently resides in the Fogg Museum (Harvard Art Museums) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
In this artwork, Gauguin presents a vivid and textural composition featuring a collection of fruits arranged in a bowl. Dominating the foreground, the bowl contains brightly colored apples and a single pear, exemplifying the artist’s mastery over the still life genre. Set against a contrasting background, the fruits provide a sense of depth and vibrancy. To the right, an attention-grabbing ceramic portrait jug with human-like features adds a curious, almost animate contrast to the inanimate fruits. The jug’s sculptural detail and dark tones draw the eye, creating an interesting focal point that balances the composition. Gauguin’s use of thick, bold brushstrokes and a rich, yet harmonious palette of colors contributes to the work’s dynamic texture and overall visual interest. The painting reflects the artist’s Post-Impressionist style, with its emphasis on symbolic content, and the artist’s own unique interpretation of the subject matter, rather than a strict adherence to realistic representation.
