‘Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier’ (Curtain, jug and fruit bowl) measuring 60cm x 73cm is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist French artist Paul Cezanne, completed in 1894. This still life painting shows that the artist has discovered a way of appealing to the viewers while

cont­in­uing to use the innovative artistic techniques. On another level, it also proves that the artist is an expert in using small, rhythmic and exploratory brushstrokes and simple colours in his artworks. His brilliance lies in his ability to make passionate even the simplest objects by his free use of brush.

The painting is exceptional for being the most expensive still life ever sold at an auction when Sotheby’s in New York put it up for sale as part of the Whitney family’s collection in 1999, the work fetched just over $60.5 million. — M.I.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 30th, 2014