Roderic O'conor (1860-1940) – Still Life With Lemons And Peppers, 1896

Roderic O'Conor (1860-1940), an Irish artist trained at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts in Dublin, truly flourished in France, particularly in Paris, where he was influenced by the Impressionist movement. His visit to Pont-Aven in 1887 marked a decisive step, bringing him closer to artists such as Paul Gauguin and Armand Seguin. Between 1892 and 1904, O'Conor regularly frequented this place, establishing friendships which profoundly influenced his post-impressionist style, notably through the imprint of Vincent Van Gogh, and thus anticipating the Fauve movement to come.

A versatile artist, O'Conor excelled in various painting genres, including still life. Our work, part of the production of the 90s, is characterized by long and dynamic touches, sometimes curved and a lively palette. He exploits the stripe for its abstract, decorative and expressive qualities, frequently applying his pure, unmixed colors, straight from the tube. The contrasting hues vibrate thanks to this close juxtaposition.

In this sophisticated still life, O'Conor offers us a carefully balanced composition. On a brick red tablecloth, different elements, such as pottery with contrasting shapes and a bright white dish, are meticulously arranged. Bright red peppers and bright yellow lemons add vibrant accents, creating a visual symphony. More than a simple representation of objects, this work is a profound exploration of color, light, and form, testifying to the ingenuity and audacity of Roderic O'Conor in his incessant artistic quest.