Still Life with Apples 1893 - 1894

Paul Cézanne created this still life with apples using oil on canvas. The composition is anchored by a collection of carefully arranged objects. The interplay of blues, greens, and reds evokes a sense of depth and volume. Cézanne's work here really pushes the boundaries of traditional perspective. The objects are rendered with a focus on geometric forms, like you can see in the cylinders of the vases, and the spheres of the apples. Through this, Cézanne invites us to reconsider our understanding of space and perception. The slight tilting of planes challenges fixed viewpoints, suggesting a world seen from multiple perspectives simultaneously. This approach aligns with his broader artistic project: breaking down objects into fundamental shapes to capture their essence, rather than replicating their superficial appearance. Notice the interplay between the objects and the ground: the objects are destabilized, in a way. In that sense, the painting offers a dynamic engagement with the act of seeing itself.