Still Life, Painter's Materials 1899

Samuel Peploe made this still life painting with oil on canvas, showing us the materials and tools of his trade. The thick, almost sculptural quality of the paint is immediately apparent, especially in the daubs of white that represent the squeezed paint tubes. Consider how the very materiality of the oil paint influences the appearance of the objects depicted. Notice the contrast between the fluid, glossy surfaces of the bottles, and the rough, matte texture of the paint itself. Peploe emphasizes the physical properties of his medium, reminding us of the labor involved in creating a painting. Think about the social context of these materials. Oil paint was a mass-produced commodity in Peploe's time, available to artists of all levels. Yet, his skilled application elevates these humble materials to high art. Ultimately, this work blurs the lines between the representation of objects and the direct presentation of the artist's materials. It is a testament to the transformative power of artistic skill.