French Still-Life Oil Painting

A large still life oil on canvas by Marcel Mouillot, 1889-1972. Executed in the style of Cézanne, this important work presents a richly textured yet harmonious still life of a rustic kitchen. A sturdy wooden table, slightly tilted in perspective, anchors the composition, its surface bearing the quiet poetry of everyday objects. At one end, a dark, opaque bottle of wine stands upright, its solid form contrasting with the softness of the fruit. At the other, a woven basket overflows with ripe pears, their rounded shapes and subtle tonal variations creating a sense of volume and weight. Scattered across the table, apples in deep ochres and fresh greens rest alongside a rustic brown teapot and teacup, their placement both deliberate and spontaneous. The focal point of the arrangement is a familiar yellow water jug from southwest France.

The painting emphasizes structure through geometric simplification and a masterful use of colour modulation. The muted palette of greys and browns is punctuated by earthy yellows and bright greens, lending the scene a timeless, meditative quality. The brushwork, both loose and deliberate, gives the objects a sense of solidity while allowing them to breathe within the composition.

This work, impressive in both its style and large size, has been re-stretched and re-varnished. Signed Marcel Mouillot 1919 in lower right corner.

Marcel Mouillot was a French painter born in Paris. A sea captain, he travelled extensively, which had a profound influence on his art. He is particularly known for his landscapes, seascapes, still lifes and tropical scenes. His style, close to the early Cubists, is characterized by a composition and palette of great simplicity, emphasizing volumes and their relationships. He exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d’Automne, the Salon des Tuileries and the Société nationale des beaux-arts. His works have been presented in several Parisian galleries.