The artwork “Still Life with Cup and Sugar Bowl” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir dates back to 1904. Executed in the medium of oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Impressionist movement, specifically focusing on the still life genre. The painting is currently held in a private collection and features a delicate interplay of light and color, elements characteristic of Renoir’s work from this period.
In the artwork, Renoir presents a scene of domestic tranquility and simple elegance. A tea cup and a sugar bowl with a floral pattern are the central subjects, resting on a table or surface with indistinct form. Beside the china, there appears to be a plump, ripe orange, showcasing a play between the man-made objects and the natural fruit. The rough, visible brushstrokes and the softened edges of the objects convey a sense of immediacy and the fleeting effects of light, both hallmarks of Impressionist technique. The palette is warm, with earthy tones dominating the composition, allowing the red and orange hues of the patterns and the fruit to stand out gently against the background. The casual arrangement of the objects contributes to the impression of an unposed, spontaneous snapshot of everyday life, inviting contemplation on the beauty of ordinary moments.
