Apples, Jug, Iridescent Glass 1884

Paul Gauguin made this still life, Apples, Jug, Iridescent Glass, using oil paint on canvas. What I find most compelling is the way Gauguin seems to celebrate everyday materials and the processes behind their creation. Look closely at the jug and the iridescent glass. These aren't just containers; they're testaments to the potter's wheel and the glassblower's breath. Notice how Gauguin’s brushstrokes mimic the textures of these objects – the rough, earthy feel of the ceramic jug and the shimmering surface of the art glass. The way the light catches and reflects gives a sense of movement to the piece, as though the glass is still cooling from the furnace. Gauguin elevates these humble objects to the level of fine art, challenging the traditional hierarchy that separates craft from high art, and invites us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in their making.