Fruit displayed on a Stand by Gustave Caillebotte

This bold and colorful composition, painted in oil by Gustave Caillebotte, is entitled “Fruit displayed on a Stand”. This painting is part of the artist’s constant interest in representing commercial scenes and displays of modern life. This work on the motif departs from traditional still lifes by bringing a social realism and a profusion of colors. The work perfectly illustrates the innovative and direct look that the painter cast on the daily life of his time.

The canvas presents a teeming and colorful display of varied fruits, arranged in compartments lined with crumpled white paper. In the foreground, beautiful green apples stand next to small containers of blue berries and large pears of a brilliant yellow. In the background, other baskets contain deep purple plums, velvety peaches and ripe red apples. At the top of the composition, large green leaves of a decorative plant fall elegantly over the display. The geometric folds of the white paper create delicate bluish shadows that rhythm the composition. The frank light highlights the generous volume and the gourmet freshness of each individual fruit.

Caillebotte demonstrates a stunning virtuosity in the realistic treatment of matter and the modern still life. His handling of oil paint allows him to restore with great accuracy the velvety textures of peaches and the smooth surfaces of pears. He renews the genre through his innate sense of framing and decorative geometry.