“Still Life with Coffee Pot,” created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888 in Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France, is an exquisite example of ink on paper belonging to the Post-Impressionism art movement. Categorized under the genre of sketch and study, this artwork is currently housed in the Morgan Library and Museum (Pierpont Morgan Library) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork itself is a detailed sketch, delineating a composition that depicts a coffee pot as its focal point, surrounded by various objects including a cup and saucer, a jug, and several pieces of fruit. Van Gogh employs strong, expressive lines to define the contours and intricate details of each object, while annotations in handwriting provide additional context and possibly color notes on the depicted items, such as “Citron,” “chrome,” and “émail bleu.” The assemblage exudes a meticulous study of ordinary items, infused with Van Gogh’s characteristic dedication to both detail and dynamism within the simplicity of everyday objects. The composition invites viewers to explore the mundane through the eye of a Post-Impressionist master.
