Still Life with Friend Jacob

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn "Still Life with Friend Jacob," painted in 1888, offers a glimpse into the artistic world of Paul Gauguin. This intimate still life, currently housed in the Hahnloser Collection at Villa Flora, draws our attention to the simple beauty of everyday objects. nn Gauguin presents a modest arrangement of four pieces of fruit displayed on a table. Three, possibly plums or peaches, rest in a dark bowl, while a solitary green apple sits on the table’s edge. A white cloth drapes over the table, leading our eyes towards the composition's foreground. The background features a pale green wall adorned with a subtle floral pattern, hinting at the interior space. nn The painting's charm lies in its directness and honesty. Gauguin's brushstrokes are bold and confident, capturing the form and texture of the fruit with a few decisive strokes. The warm, earthy color palette, dominated by reds, greens, and browns, creates a sense of harmony and tranquility. nn The inscription "a l'ami Jacob" alongside Gauguin's signature tells us this artwork was dedicated to a friend. This personal touch, combined with the carefully arranged composition, elevates the still life from a simple study of objects to a heartfelt gesture of friendship. Gauguin invites us to contemplate the beauty in the everyday and the importance of personal connections.