Who painted Fruit and a Jug on a Table?

Fruit and a Jug on a Table was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1896.

Where can I see Fruit and a Jug on a Table?

Fruit and a Jug on a Table is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is Fruit and a Jug on a Table?

Fruit and a Jug on a Table is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Fruit and a Jug on a Table?

Museum-quality prints of Fruit and a Jug on a Table are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Fruit and a Jug on a Table

Paul Cezanne , 1896

Fruit and a Jug on a Table is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Created in 1896, this oil on canvas presents a modest still‑life composition typical of Paul Cézanne’s late work.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1896, this oil on canvas presents a modest still‑life composition typical of Paul Cézanne’s late work. A brown, handled jug rests on the right side of a table draped with a blue‑bordered cloth, while a cluster of apples, lemons and oranges occupies the foreground. The background is rendered in broad strokes of green, blue and white, giving the scene a tranquil, understated atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on everyday objects—a jug and assorted fruit—arranged to explore their spatial relationships and visual weight. By presenting ordinary items in a balanced, quiet setting, Cézanne invites contemplation of form and perception, emphasizing the inherent geometry of the subjects rather than narrative content.

Technique & Style

Cézanne employs his characteristic method of building form through layered brushwork and simplified geometric shapes. The surface shows visible, rhythmic strokes that modulate color and tone, while the composition relies on planar constructions that hint at a nascent cubist sensibility. The muted palette and restrained lighting reinforce a sense of structural clarity.

History & Provenance

The work entered the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where it remains on view. Acquired as part of the museum’s effort to represent the transition from Impressionism to early modernist movements, the painting exemplifies Cézanne’s pivotal role in that artistic shift.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Paul Cezanne

Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, the son of a hatter turned wealthy banker.

Museum

Museum of Fine Arts Boston

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