Still Life Apples and Pears 1871

Gustave Courbet's "Still Life Apples and Pears" (1871) is a quintessential example of the artist's realist approach to painting. This intimate composition features a simple arrangement of fruit, rendered with meticulous detail and a focus on the natural textures of the subjects. The rich, earthy tones of the apples and pear contrast with the subtle hues of the tablecloth, emphasizing the materiality of the objects. Courbet's emphasis on everyday subjects and straightforward depiction reflect the artistic values of Realism, a movement that sought to portray life as it was, without idealization or sentimentality.