Artwork
Asparagus, Tomatoes, and a Squash
Asparagus, Tomatoes, and a Squash is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Paul Lacroix. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Paul Lacroix’s oil on canvas, dated 1865, presents a modest still‑life composition. The work depicts a collection of garden vegetables— asparagus, two tomatoes, a squash, and accompanying foliage—arranged on a tabletop. The painting’s muted palette of browns, greens and oranges emphasizes the natural qualities of the produce.
Subject & Meaning
The tableau focuses on everyday foodstuffs, reflecting a 19th‑century interest in depicting ordinary domestic scenes. By grouping the vegetables together, Lacroix highlights their varied textures and forms, inviting contemplation of the simple abundance of the kitchen garden.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the piece employs a restrained brushwork that renders the surfaces of the vegetables with subtle modeling. The earthy tonal range creates a cohesive atmosphere, while the modest lighting and lack of elaborate background keep attention on the objects themselves.
History & Provenance
Created in 1865, the painting belongs to Lacroix’s early oeuvre, a period when he explored still‑life subjects. Its provenance remains limited to museum collections, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑19th‑century French still‑life painting.
Artist & collection
