“Still Life with Apples, Meat and a Roll,” executed in 1886 in Paris, France by the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh, is an oil painting on canvas that exemplifies the Realism art movement. Classified within the genre of still life, this exquisite work is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.
In the artwork, Van Gogh captures a variety of objects meticulously arranged to create a composition that is both harmonious and rich in texture. Dominating the left side is a basket brimming with apples, their red hue drawing the viewer’s eye. To the right, there is a sizable piece of meat, its raw appearance contrasting with the more delicate forms of the apples and the roll placed alongside it. The dark background accentuates the vibrancy of the objects in the foreground, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow. The brushstrokes are characteristically expressive, with a visible texture that adds depth and dimension to the overall composition. The careful arrangement and detailed rendering of everyday objects reflect Van Gogh’s ability to find beauty in the mundane, elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary through his masterful technique.
