Apples and Cherries 1936

Endre Rozsda made this still life of apples and cherries with oil paint, and who knows when! The textures are built up in layers, so the painting has a real sense of depth. Rozsda’s touch feels so intuitive, almost as if he were handling the fruit itself, not just painting it. Look at the white brushstrokes around the plate, thick and confident. They’re not trying to trick you into thinking this is real life; they're saying, "This is paint, and I love it!" The red cherries pop against the muted background, a little party of color amidst the earthy tones. There's a playful balance of looseness and control. It makes me think a little of Morandi, that Italian painter of bottles and bowls, but Rozsda brings a bit more zing, a little more life to the table. It’s like he’s inviting us to taste the painting itself. It's a reminder that art isn't about perfection; it’s about the joy of seeing and making.