Still Life with Oranges and Lemons with Blue Gloves 1889

Vincent van Gogh captured this scene in 1889, a still life featuring oranges and lemons. The citrus fruits, bursting with color, sit nestled in a woven basket, symbols of warmth and vitality, recalling the Mediterranean landscapes. The oranges and lemons evoke images of the Garden of Hesperides from classical mythology, where golden apples were guarded by nymphs. This idea has been transmitted through time, a symbol of plenty and paradise. Yet, Van Gogh presents these symbols with a twist: next to the basket, a pair of blue gloves rest, hinting at human presence and labor, a stark contrast to the divine abundance. The gloves remind one of the tools and instruments frequently depicted alongside the saints in religious images. Gloves, like tools, have a rich history, evolving in meaning as they surface and resurface in different historical contexts. The vibrant colors and contrasting elements engage us, triggering a deep, subconscious connection to universal themes of nature, labor, and the cyclical nature of life.