Basket of Apples

Basket of Apples, painted in 1887 during Van Gogh’s transformative Paris period, reflects his growing fascination with color, light, and the expressive possibilities of everyday objects. The composition features a rustic basket filled with ripe apples, some spilling onto the table, rendered in warm reds, golds, and greens.

With textured brushstrokes and a brighter, more experimental palette influenced by Impressionism and Japanese prints, Van Gogh breathes life into the simple arrangement. The tilted perspective and dynamic surface enhance the immediacy of the scene, turning a humble still life into a vibrant study of texture, form, and natural beauty. This work marks a significant step toward Van Gogh’s mature style.