Roderic O'Conor (1860-1940) - Still life with lemons and peppers, 1896

Roderic O'Conor (1860-1940) - Still life with lemons and peppers, 1896
Oil on canvas
65 x 50.1 cm
Signed upper right
Estate stamp 'atelier O'CONOR' (on reverse)
Provenance: Galerie Roland, Browse and Delbanco (label on reverse of original frame)

Roderic O'Conor (1860-1940), an Irish artist trained at the Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts in Dublin, really came into his own in France, particularly Paris, where he was influenced by the Impressionist movement. His visit to Pont-Aven in 1887 was a decisive step, bringing him into contact with artists such as Paul Gauguin and Armand Seguin. Between 1892 and 1904, O'Conor was a regular visitor to Pont-Aven, making friendships that had a profound influence on his post-impressionist style, particularly through the influence of Vincent Van Gogh, and anticipating the Fauve movement to come.

A versatile artist, O'Conor excelled in various pictorial genres, including still life. His work is part of the production of the 1990s and is characterised by long, dynamic, sometimes curved strokes and a lively palette. He exploits the stripe for its abstract, decorative and expressive qualities, frequently applying his pure, unmixed colours straight from the tube. The contrasting hues vibrate thanks to this close juxtaposition.

In this sophisticated still life, O'Conor offers us a meticulously balanced composition. On a brick-red tablecloth, various elements, such as contrasting pottery shapes and a bright white dish, are meticulously arranged. Vibrant red peppers and bright yellow lemons add vibrant touches, creating a visual symphony. More than a simple representation of objects, this work is a profound exploration of colour, light and form, testifying to Roderic O'Conor's ingenuity and boldness in his ongoing artistic quest.