Still Life with Teapot and Fruit

Paul Gauguin, 1896

MEDIUMOil on canvas
DIMENSIONS18 3/4 x 26 in. (47.6 x 66 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONEuropean Paintings
CREDIT LINEThe Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Collection, Gift of Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg, 1997, Bequest of Walter H. Annenberg, 2002

Gauguin's 1896 "Still Life with Teapot and Fruit" showcases his Post-Impressionist style with vivid colors and simplified forms, even amidst his Tahitian period, revealing his continued exploration of traditional subjects through a unique lens.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Paul Gauguin's "Still Life with Teapot and Fruit," painted in 1896, offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist's evolving style during his time in Tahiti. While Gauguin is most renowned for his vibrant depictions of Tahitian life and Symbolist themes, this still life demonstrates his continued engagement with traditional genres, even as he infused them with his unique vision. By 1896, Gauguin had been living in the South Pacific for several years, seeking refuge from Western civilization and pursuing a more 'primitive' existence. Although this painting features domestic objects rather than exotic figures or landscapes, it still carries the weight of his experimental use of color and a certain flatness that hints at his Synthetist approach. It stands as a testament to the breadth of his artistic exploration, even as he was grappling with health problems and financial struggles during his later years in the Pacific.

ART MOVEMENTS
ImpressionismPost-ImpressionismSymbolism
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The vibrant, non-naturalistic colors of the fruit

2

The simplified forms and bold outlines

3

The patterned background, almost like a textile

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Audio Deep Dive

Gauguin's 1896 "Still Life with Teapot and Fruit" showcases his Post-Impressionist style with vivid colors and simplified forms, even amidst his Tahitian perio…

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THE ARTIST
Paul Gauguin 1848–1903 · France

Paul Gauguin, the French Post-Impressionist, abandoned a stockbroker's life for art, famously seeking 'refuge from Western civilization' in Tahiti.

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