Cezanne vs. Zurbaran

Cezanne vs. Zurbaran

Cezanne vs. Zurbaran

Zurbaran' Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose, 1633

Zurbarán is best known for his numerous paintings of saints in which he portrayed their devotions, visions and ecstasies. This painting is his only signed and dated still life. Its underlying and symbolic theme may be homage to the Virgin. The citrons are a paschal fruit and, with the orange blossoms, suggest chastity. Love and purity are symbolized in the rose and water-filled cup. An air of gravity and spiritual austerity proceeds from the strict horizontal rhythm and the limitation of detail. Indeed, the objects ...