Still Life – Pomegranate, Figs and Apples – 1914 Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)

The composition presents a cluster of fruit arranged on what appears to be a draped surface. A pomegranate dominates the scene, its form suggested through thick impasto strokes in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Adjacent to it are several figs, rendered with darker purplish-brown tones, their surfaces textured with visible brushwork. Apples, similarly treated with vibrant yellows and greens, complete the assortment.
The artist’s technique emphasizes a tactile quality; the paint is applied in short, energetic strokes that capture the play of light across the fruits rounded forms. There is little attempt at precise rendering or detailed modeling. Instead, the focus lies on conveying the essence of the objects through color and texture. The background is indistinct, merging into a warm, hazy atmosphere created by layered brushstrokes.
The arrangement feels less like a formal still life and more like an immediate observation – a fleeting moment captured with expressive freedom. The lack of sharp outlines and the blurred boundaries between forms contribute to a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. This approach suggests an interest in capturing not just the visual appearance, but also the sensory experience of perceiving these fruits.
The choice of fruit itself carries symbolic weight. Pomegranates, traditionally associated with abundance and fertility, are placed centrally, drawing immediate attention. Figs often represent prosperity and nourishment, while apples can symbolize knowledge or temptation depending on cultural context. The combination evokes themes of nature’s bounty and the cyclical processes of growth and decay.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting a close examination of form, color, and texture. Its a study in perception, where the artist prioritizes subjective experience over objective representation.