Rousseau (103) Henri Julien Felix Rousseau (1844-1910)

The composition presents a still life arrangement on what appears to be a draped table. A central verticality is established by a pink candle held in a simple candlestick; its flame remains unrendered, suggesting a focus on form rather than illumination. To the left of the candle, a small bowl holds an assortment of fruit: oranges, cherries, and a single pear. These are rendered with a deliberate flatness, their forms simplified into planes of color.
A wedge-shaped piece of bread or cake rests on a white plate positioned between the fruit and the candle. The artist has employed a limited palette – primarily ochres, reds, greens, and blacks – to define the objects. A dark bottle dominates the right side of the canvas. Its label is partially legible, hinting at an underlying narrative that remains elusive. A single poppy flower is affixed to the bottle’s surface, adding a touch of unexpected vibrancy against its somber tones.
The background is muted, a blend of browns and grays, which serves to isolate the objects in the foreground. The table cloth itself is rendered with broad strokes of red and maroon, creating a sense of depth without adhering to traditional perspective techniques.
Subtleties within the arrangement suggest a meditation on transience and domesticity. The fruit, symbols of abundance and ripeness, are presented alongside the extinguished candle, evoking themes of decay and loss. The bottle’s label, though illegible in its entirety, implies a story beyond what is immediately visible – perhaps a reference to memory or personal history. The poppy flower, often associated with remembrance and sleep, reinforces this sense of melancholy and quiet contemplation. Overall, the work conveys an atmosphere of stillness and introspection, achieved through a deliberate simplification of form and color.