Apples in a basket 1920

Tadeusz Makowski painted this piece, Apples in a Basket, with what looks like oil on canvas, but with a twist – the handling is all soft and hazy. You can almost feel the gentle touch of the brush, barely disturbing the surface. Look at how the basket is rendered. The pink peeking through the woven texture adds a touch of warmth and whimsy, like a secret blush. The paint is applied in thin layers, allowing the canvas to breathe beneath, creating a soft, matte finish. There’s a certain vulnerability in this approach, an honesty about the materials and the process. And those apples! They’re not perfect, shiny specimens. They’re a bit lumpy, a bit bruised, but full of character. In a way, it reminds me of Morandi, with his quiet, contemplative still lifes. Both artists share a similar commitment to simplicity and a sensitivity to the subtle nuances of light and color. It’s a reminder that art is not about perfection, but about finding beauty in the everyday.