“Still Life with Pumpkin” by Paula Modersohn-Becker, created circa 1905, is a notable work within the Post-Impressionism movement. This painting, executed on canvas, measures 75 by 95 centimeters and belongs to the still life genre. It is currently housed in the Von der Heydt Museum in Wuppertal, Germany.
The artwork presents an arrangement of autumnal produce and objects, meticulously placed to engage the viewer’s eye with varied textures and shapes. Predominantly, a large yellow pumpkin is segmented into several pieces, laying prominently in the foreground. Behind it resides a rustic onion with frayed tops, situated in a clear glass bowl. Adjacent to these is a decorative ceramic jug, adorned with blue patterns and the inscription “St. Mina”, imparting a touch of human craftsmanship to the scene. The backdrop consists of a muted, vertically striped wallpaper, providing a subtle, textured contrast to the more vibrant subjects in the foreground. The composition demonstrates Modersohn-Becker’s characteristic brushwork and her ability to infuse everyday objects with a sense of quiet reverence and deep observation.
