The artwork “Strawberries” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, dates back to circa 1905. This oil on canvas measures 28 by 46 centimeters and is a classic example of a still life within the Impressionist movement. This piece is housed at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France, and showcases the distinct brushwork and luminosity characteristic of Renoir’s work.
The artwork presents a vivid tableau of ripe strawberries arranged in a fluted dish, bountiful and rich in hue. The fruit seems almost tactile beneath Renoir’s brush, with their seeds and leaves rendered in lively, swift strokes. To the left, a lemon offers a zest of contrasting color—its bright yellow peel juxtaposed against the red berries. Above the lemon, a jar partly obscured by shadow adds depth to the composition. The domestic scene is grounded by the hint of a tabletop, draped with a crisp cloth that softly catches the light. The backdrop is warm and subdued, providing a harmonious backdrop that allows the colors of the strawberries and lemon to resonate prominently. Renoir’s treatment of light and shadow brings a palpable presence to the strawberries, which are depicted with a vivacity that captures the essence of their fresh, juicy appearance.
