Still Life with Statuette and Rose Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

In this still life, Vincent van Gogh depicts a collection of objects arranged on a surface. The central element is a small, plaster statuette, possibly a classical torso, rendered in greys and whites with visible brushstrokes that give it a textured appearance. To the left of the statuette, two books are placed. The lower book is bright yellow with visible lettering on its spine and cover in darker tones, suggesting it might be a French novel or literary work. The upper book is a vibrant blue and also displays text, though its less distinctly legible.
In the foreground, to the left, a wilting rose lies on its side. Its petals are a muted pink and orange, showing signs of decay, and a few dark green leaves are attached to the stem. The background is divided, with a swath of warm, textured yellow draped across the upper left, and a deep, rich blue filling the upper right. These elements are painted with Van Goghs characteristic expressive brushwork, creating a dynamic and textured surface.
The arrangement of objects suggests a contemplative mood. The statuette can symbolize art, classical ideals, or perhaps the human form. The books imply intellectual pursuits, knowledge, or stories. The wilting rose introduces a theme of transience, beautys decay, and mortality. The juxtaposition of art, literature, and a fading flower, set against a backdrop of intense color, invites reflection on themes of life, beauty, art, and the passage of time. The overall impression is one of quiet introspection, where elements of enduring form (statuette, books) are contrasted with the ephemerality of natural beauty (rose).