Three Red Apples - Gustave Courbet
Archival giclée
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Description
A study of three apples painted by Gustave Courbet during his imprisonment in 1871, showcasing his characteristic use of heavy impasto and direct observation.
Gustave Courbet, a central figure of the French Realist movement, produced this study of fruit during his period of imprisonment at Sainte-Pélagie in 1871. Following his involvement in the Paris Commune, Courbet was incarcerated for his role in the destruction of the Vendôme Column. During this time, he turned his attention to the modest subjects available within his cell, creating a series of still life paintings that focus on the physical presence of fruit.
The composition is direct and unadorned. Three apples occupy the foreground, set against a dark, indistinct background that pushes the objects forward. Courbet employs a heavy impasto technique, using thick applications of paint to define the volume and texture of the fruit. The red pigments vary in tone, capturing the subtle shifts in light across the rounded surfaces. The brushwork is visible and deliberate, reflecting the artist's rejection of the polished academic style of his contemporaries.
This work demonstrates Courbet's ability to find subject matter in the immediate environment. By isolating these objects, he invites the viewer to observe the material qualities of the fruit without the distraction of narrative or allegory. The painting serves as a record of his confinement, yet it remains focused on the tangible reality of the objects themselves. The signature and date, inscribed in the lower portion of the canvas, confirm the circumstances of its creation. This piece offers a view into the later career of an artist who consistently prioritised the observation of the physical world over idealised forms.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Three Red Apples - Gustave Courbet
Artist Biography
Gustave Courbet
Courbet's most famous works, such as 'The Stone Breakers' (destroyed during WWII) and 'Burial at Ornans', were not merely paintings; they were manifestos. He elevated the everyday to the monumental, forcing viewers to confront the lives of ordinary people with the same seriousness previously reserved for gods and heroes. His nudes, like 'The Bathers', scandalised Parisian society, not for their nudity, but for their unapologetic lack of idealisation. They were real women, with real bodies, a stark contrast to the airbrushed fantasies of academic art.
Though controversial in his time, Courbet's influence is undeniable. He paved the way for future generations of artists to break free from tradition and embrace the world around them. Owning a Courbet print is more than just acquiring a beautiful image; it's a declaration of independence, a celebration of the real, and a nod to the artist who dared to paint the world as it truly was.
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