Lemons and Orange (Citrons et orange) (c. 1913)

This lovely painting, **Lemons and Orange (Citrons et orange)** by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, created around 1913, is a vibrant still life featuring citrus fruits — three lemons and one orange — arranged on a neutral, textured surface. The background is subtly rendered in muted tones of browns, blues, and greens, which softly blend together, allowing the vivid colors of the fruit to stand prominently.Renoir’s application of paint is loose and impressionistic, characterized by short, thick strokes that capture the essence and texture of the subject rather than its detailed realism. The orange, with its vibrant red-orange hue, draws the eye first, placed slightly off-center and accompanied by a leafy stem that adds a touch of natural green to the composition. Next to it, the lemons, painted in lighter shades of yellow, contrast with the orange in both color and form. Each lemon is depicted with varying degrees of yellow intensity and highlighted edges, suggesting light source and giving them a rounded, three-dimensional look.The fruits appear lively and tactile under Renoir's brush, suggesting a spontaneity in his approach. The use of vivid colors combined with dynamic brushwork exemplifies Renoir's skill in portraying everyday objects with extraordinary appeal, making them appear fresh and enticing. His signature in the bottom left corner adds a personal touch to the artwork.