Who painted The Plate of Apples?

The Plate of Apples was painted by Paul Cezanne in 1877.

Where can I see The Plate of Apples?

The Plate of Apples is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is The Plate of Apples?

The Plate of Apples is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Plate of Apples?

Museum-quality prints of The Plate of Apples are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Plate of Apples

Paul Cezanne , 1877

The Plate of Apples is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

The Plate of Apples is an oil on canvas painting depicting a still life of apples on a plate, set against a distinctive lozenge-patterned wallpaper, identifiable with Paul Cezanne's Paris apartment (1875-1879).

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a simple still life, yet its presentation challenges contemporary painting norms. The tilted tabletop and plate, along with misaligned table edges, introduce disorientation, engaging the viewer in a novel, somewhat unsettling visual experience.

Technique & Style

Cezanne employed innovative techniques, including using a pointed tool (possibly a brush handle) to incise contours into semi-dry paint, creating heavy, sculptural forms around the plate and apples. This method, akin to impasto, adds tactile depth to the composition.

History & Provenance

Created during Cezanne's residency in his Paris apartment (1875-1879), the work reflects his early experiments with perspective and form, precursing later developments in his style.

Context

Within the late 19th-century art landscape, The Plate of Apples stands out for its rejection of traditional perspective rules, aligning with the broader shift towards modernist innovations in representation and space.

Legacy

This painting's unconventional spatial arrangements and textured technique have influenced subsequent artistic movements, particularly in the development of Cubism and the continued exploration of perspective in modern art.