Expressive Still Life by Jacques Pouchain - 21¼" x 17"

This oil on canvas still life is composed with a gentle balance of form and color, where muted greens and soft neutral tones are animated by a lively touch of yellow that brings warmth and visual focus to the scene. A lantern-like lamp, a luminous pitcher, and a cluster of fruit are depicted with confident, expressive brushwork, that gives the composition both structure and spontaneity. The harmonious palette creates a calm yet engaging atmosphere, inviting the eye to move slowly across the surface and appreciate the subtle dialogue between light, color, and shape.

The painting is by Jacques Pouchain, born in 1927, who began his artistic career as a painter before becoming a highly regarded ceramicist. His early training in drawing and painting laid the foundation for a lifelong exploration of form and material. Pouchain later turned to ceramics, where he achieved significant recognition for his sculptural approach and refined use of glaze, becoming an important figure in postwar decorative arts. This painting offers a rare glimpse into his formative years, revealing the painterly sensibility that would inform his later three dimensional work.

Today, this piece brings an understated elegance to an interior. It is well suited to a kitchen or dining room, where the still life subject feels natural and timeless. Hung on its own or integrated into a curated wall, it adds warmth, color, and artistic depth without overwhelming the room. Beyond its decorative appeal, it carries the quiet presence of an artist at the beginning of a remarkable career, making it both a beautiful and meaningful addition to a refined home.