Aspidistra

Artist Samuel John Peploe (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1871 - 1935)

Date1927

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 71.2 cm, Width: 51.5 cm
Frame: Height: 88 cm, Width: 68.5 cm, Depth: 6 cm

AcquisitionThe Hyslop Collection Bequest, 1993.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG010715

Keywords

About MeLike Paul Cezanne, S.J. Peploe used colour architecturally, balancing mass against mass. In his mature still-lifes, dry paint was applied thickly and urgently and broad strokes used to describe forms in an almost sculptural manner.

Peploe kept an aspidistra in his studio and sometimes its distinctive, sharp green leaves form part of a still-life composition. However, the artist struggled with its difficult form, eventually achieving a striking and harmonious balance in this painting. Without disguising the dusty colours and familiar appearance, he painted a monumental portrait of the plant, its tough leaves curling outwards, creating a design almost mannerist in its complexity.

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Peploe is part of the group of four artists known as the 'Scottish Colourists.' Although his work never became abstract, it was characterised by tight composition, strong colour and assured handling.