The artwork titled “Still Life Fruit” is a splendid example of Realism, an art movement thriving on the accurate and unembellished depiction of subjects. Created by the illustrious artist Gustave Courbet approximately between 1871 and 1872, this oil on canvas still life measures 59 by 72 centimeters. The piece is presently housed in the Shelburne Museum, located in Shelburne, VT, US.
The composition of this artwork features a robust display of fruit, predominantly apples and pears, arranged in a woven basket. These fruits exhibit a variety of tones ranging from the warmth of rich reds to the subtlety of muted yellows and greens, signaling varied stages of ripeness and natural imperfections. The leaves interspersed among the fruit add a vibrant touch of green and enhance the sense of freshness. Moreover, to the right of the composition stands a draped window, partially revealing the blue sky and a distant landscape, which provides context and extends the sense of realism beyond the boundaries of the basket. The texture, shading, and realistic portrayal of the fruit underscore the Realist commitment to depicting the visible world without artifice or glorification.
