The Lobster - Samuel Peploe

A striking still life by Samuel Peploe, "The Lobster" features a bold red lobster contrasted against a dark background, with a lemon adding a splash of yellow. This painting exemplifies the Scottish Colourists' interest in colour and form.

Samuel Peploe (1871-1935) was a Scottish artist, known for his still life paintings and landscapes. He was a leading figure of the Scottish Colourists movement, which emerged in the early 20th century. The group was influenced by French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and they sought to bring a modern, painterly approach to Scottish art. Peploe's work is characterised by its bold use of colour, simplified forms, and emphasis on the materiality of paint. He often depicted everyday objects, such as fruit, flowers, and vases, in a way that celebrated their inherent beauty. In "The Lobster", Peploe presents a striking still life composition. A bright red lobster dominates the foreground, its form rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes. Behind it, a lemon sits on a white plate, providing a contrasting splash of yellow. A small rectangular object, possibly a matchbox, rests near the bottom edge of the painting. The background is a deep, dark expanse, which serves to accentuate the colours and textures of the objects in the foreground. The composition is simple yet effective, demonstrating Peploe's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects with minimal detail. The painting exemplifies the Colourists' interest in exploring the interplay of colour and light.