Gustave Courbet – Still Life with Apples and a Pomegranate Part 3 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a bowl overflowing with fruit. A selection of apples dominates the scene, rendered in varying shades of red, green, and yellow, suggesting ripeness and abundance. Several apples lie outside the bowl, scattered across the tables surface, contributing to a sense of casualness and immediacy. A single pomegranate is nestled amongst the apples, its deep crimson hue providing a focal point within the predominantly warm color palette.
The fruit rests upon a roughly textured wooden table, whose surface reflects light in a manner that suggests a slightly damp or oiled finish. The tabletop’s dark brown tone contrasts with the vibrancy of the fruit, enhancing their visual impact. To the left, partially obscured by shadow, stands a metal container – likely pewter – its dull gray surface offering another textural and tonal counterpoint to the organic forms of the produce.
The lighting is uneven, casting deep shadows that contribute to a sense of depth and volume. The light source appears to originate from the upper left, highlighting the curves and surfaces of the fruit while leaving portions of the table and container in relative darkness. This creates an atmosphere of quiet intimacy, as if the viewer has stumbled upon this arrangement unexpectedly.
The artist’s brushwork is visible throughout; short, deliberate strokes define the forms and textures of both the fruit and the surrounding objects. The lack of meticulous detail lends a sense of realism, avoiding idealization in favor of capturing the inherent qualities of the subject matter.
Beyond its straightforward depiction of commonplace objects, the painting hints at themes of abundance, natures bounty, and the simple pleasures of everyday life. The deliberate arrangement – the overflowing bowl, the scattered fruit – suggests a generosity and an unpretentious appreciation for material existence. The subdued color palette and muted lighting contribute to a contemplative mood, inviting quiet observation rather than overt emotional response.