Samuel John Peploe, R.S.A.

Willie Peploe, the artist's son, and thence by descent to the previous owner

Original canvas. A few minor abrasions in the lower right corner and one or two minor, isolated hairline cracks about the canvas, only visible upon close inspection; otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals a small area of retouching in the lower left corner and one or two spots along the upper left edge. Also some infilling to a hairline crack in the dark pigment left of the vase and another to the right of it. Held in an attractive dark stained composite frame.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Throughout his career, Peploe strove to paint the perfect still life and continually developed his style, endlessly experimenting with new techniques and colour palettes. The present work was probably painted at the end of the 1920s at a time when his brushwork was loosening considerably and he began to trial more muted tonal compositions, abandoning the bright oranges, blues, pinks and reds he had favoured at the beginning of the decade. It is at this stage in his career that Peploe's synthesis of the ideas and techniques of Cezanne became most apparent. Here we see a tonal study of drapery and a vase, with a blue plate to the lower right providing a subtle colour focus to a picture in which browns, creams and greys predominate.