The artwork “Sugar Bowl and Lemons” is a still life painting created by the esteemed French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, circa 1915. Renoir, a master of the Impressionism movement, utilized oil on canvas as his medium to bring this composition to life. The genre of the piece, still life, is a testament to Renoir’s interest in capturing the beauty and essence of inanimate objects. Currently, this notable work resides in a private collection.
The artwork presents a charming and intimate view of a domestic scene, featuring a central sugar bowl adorned with floral motifs set against two robust lemons with a rich, vibrant yellow hue that dominates the foreground. The lemons rest on what appears to be a draped cloth, marked by fluid strokes of white and blue, conveying the softness and texture of the fabric. The sugar bowl, with its lid slightly ajar, suggests a casual and inviting atmosphere. In the background, an indistinct space, rendered in warm, dark tones, provides a contrast that highlights the brightness and colors of the still life elements. Renoir’s trademark brushwork is evident in the loose, expressive strokes, capturing the play of light and shadow while evoking a sense of fleeting moments. The artwork overall radiates with a luminous quality characteristic of Renoir’s later works, offering viewers a glimpse into the simple yet profound beauty of everyday objects.