Peasant Dish with Apples 1923

Samuel Mutzner's ‘Peasant Dish with Apples’ presents a seemingly simple still life, yet it's rendered with a complexity of form that invites deeper consideration. Notice how the composition centers on the dish, its circular form echoed by the rounded apples, creating a sense of visual harmony. The visible brushstrokes give the painting a tactile quality, each dab of color contributing to the overall texture. Mutzner’s use of color is particularly striking. The juxtaposition of the reds and yellows of the apples against the muted tones of the dish and tablecloth creates a dynamic interplay. This goes beyond mere representation; instead, it explores how color can define form and space. The rough texture and visible brushwork challenge traditional notions of art, highlighting the materiality of paint itself. Mutzner's work engages with a broader artistic movement that questions representation, and emphasizes the intrinsic qualities of the medium.