The artwork “Still life with Oranges” was created by the artist Paul Gauguin in 1881 in Paris, France. This piece, done in oil on canvas, reflects the Impressionist movement and measures 33 by 46 cm. It falls within the still life genre and is currently housed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes in Rennes, France.
This artwork features a scene composed of oranges, some placed in a bowl with a white interior and blue trim, and others set upon a wooden surface. The oranges outside the bowl are accompanied by a small knife, suggesting the act of peeling for consumption. To the right of the bowl, a decorative white vase with blue patterns adds vertical balance to the composition. Gauguin’s use of loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors, characteristic of Impressionist technique, creates a lively texture that conveys the freshness of the fruit. The contrast between the warm tones of the oranges and the cooler whites and blues provides a dynamic visual interest. The background is painted in subdued colors with hints of a patterned wallpaper, which places the focus squarely on the subject matter—the simple yet elegant arrangement of fruit, dishware, and cutlery. The painting is marked by Gauguin’s signature, anchoring its authenticity and place within his artistic oeuvre.
