Still life with apples

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through a captivating still life. Before you stands "Still Life with Apples," a remarkable oil on canvas painting by the renowned Post-Impressionist artist, Paul Cézanne. Created between 1885 and 1887, this intimate work, measuring just 30.2 cm by 28.5 cm, is part of the prestigious White House collection. nn The painting presents a deceptively simple scene: a cluster of apples resting on a white plate atop a dark surface. Cézanne masterfully arranges three apples – a vibrant yellow one dominating the composition, partially obscuring a smaller reddish-orange apple, with a third yellowish-orange apple peeking from the side. A darker green fruit, perhaps a mango or avocado, adds a subtle counterpoint to the right. The background is a soft, muted blue-grey, painted with visible brushstrokes that hint at a textured wall. nn Cézanne's technique is immediately apparent. He employs a visible impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint to create a palpable texture and a sense of depth. The shadows are subtly rendered, not with sharp lines, but with soft gradations of color, giving the apples and plate a three-dimensional presence. The light is diffused and gentle, illuminating the fruits evenly without harsh highlights. This focus on form, light, and color, rather than precise detail, is characteristic of Cézanne's style, a bridge between Impressionism and the more structured forms of Cubism that would follow. nn "Still Life with Apples" is more than just a depiction of fruit; it's a testament to Cézanne's profound observation of the natural world and his innovative approach to representing it on canvas. It's a small but significant work, showcasing the artist's groundbreaking exploration of form and perspective, and a key example of his contribution to the development of modern art. Its presence in the White House collection underscores its importance within the broader context of art history and its enduring appeal.