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Royal Scottish Academy of Art - Architecture

Get a reproduction of Ashet with Apples and Bowl

Quick Facts

Artistic style: Realistic, textured
Location: Royal Scottish Academy
Influences:
- Cézanne
- Klee
Movement: Impressionist/Post-Impressionist
Dimensions: 30 x 41 cm
Title: Ashet with Apples and Bowl
Subject or theme: Fruit and Bowl

Artwork Description

The Allure of the Ordinary: William George Gillies’ “Ashet with Apples and Bowl”

William George Gillies' "Ashet with Apples and Bowl" isn’t merely a depiction of fruit; it’s an invitation into a quiet contemplation, a moment suspended in time. Painted circa 1960, this work exemplifies the artist’s masterful ability to imbue everyday objects with profound emotional resonance. Gillies, a key figure within the Scottish art scene and a dedicated teacher at the Edinburgh College of Art for over four decades, possessed a unique gift for capturing the subtle nuances of light and texture – qualities that elevate the commonplace into something deeply affecting.

The composition itself is deceptively simple. A rustic earthenware bowl, its surface reflecting the ambient light with an almost tactile quality, dominates the foreground. Within it rests a modest collection of apples: some ruby red, others tinged with green, each bearing the delicate tracery of nature’s hand. A single, partially peeled apple lies beside them, suggesting both abundance and the transient beauty of harvest. The bowl's rounded form anchors the scene, while the dark, textured background – a deliberate choice by Gillies – serves to heighten the vibrancy of the fruit and create an intimate, enclosed space for the viewer.

Echoes of Cézanne and Klee: A Synthesis of Influences

Gillies’ artistic journey reveals a fascinating interplay between tradition and innovation. Initially influenced by the tenets of Cubism, particularly the work of Braque and Picasso, he soon encountered the vibrant color palettes and childlike imagination of Paul Klee in 1934. This encounter proved transformative, leading him to embrace bolder hues and a more intuitive approach to composition. The subtle Cézanne-esque arrangement of objects – the careful consideration of planes and volumes – is evident in the bowl’s form and the positioning of the apples, yet it's tempered by Klee’s playful use of color and his emphasis on emotional expression. This synthesis creates a work that feels both grounded in established artistic principles and refreshingly original.

The Language of Light and Texture

Gillies’ technique is characterized by its remarkable sensitivity to light and texture. He employs thin, layered brushstrokes – a hallmark of his style – to build up the surfaces of the bowl and the fruit with astonishing detail. The way he captures the play of light on the reflective surface of the earthenware is particularly noteworthy, creating an illusion of depth and materiality that draws the viewer into the scene. The dark background isn’t merely a void; it's actively engaged in shaping the visual experience, providing contrast and emphasizing the luminous quality of the fruit.

A Moment of Stillness: Symbolism and Emotional Resonance

Beyond its technical merits, “Ashet with Apples and Bowl” resonates with a quiet sense of melancholy and contemplation. The still life genre has long been associated with themes of mortality and transience – the fleeting beauty of nature, the inevitability of decay. The arrangement of the fruit, particularly the partially peeled apple, subtly hints at this underlying theme. Yet, there’s also an undeniable feeling of warmth and comfort, a suggestion that even in the face of loss, there is still beauty to be found in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Gillies' work invites us to pause, to observe, and to appreciate the quiet dignity of the ordinary.

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Artist Biography

Sir William George Gillies: A Life in Scottish Art

Early Life and Education

Born: Haddington, East Lothian, United Kingdom, 1898.
Gillies initially enrolled at the Edinburgh College of Art but his studies were interrupted by service in World War I with the Royal Engineers.
Following the war, he returned to complete his education at the Edinburgh College of Art, graduating and subsequently becoming a dedicated teacher there for over 40 years.

Artistic Development and Influences

Gillies’ artistic journey began with an exploration of Cubism after studying under André Lhote in Paris (1923) and traveling to Italy (1924).
Early works, like “Two Pots, Saucer and Fruit” (1933), demonstrate this influence, showing a Cézanne-inspired arrangement with Braque and Picasso’s understated color palettes.
A pivotal moment came in 1934 when he encountered the work of Paul Klee, inspiring him to adopt a more imaginative use of colour and childlike qualities in his compositions.
He gradually moved away from strict Cubism, developing a distinctive style rooted in Scottish landscape and still life traditions.

The 1922 Group and Collaborative Spirit

In 1922, Gillies co-founded the “1922 Group” alongside fellow artists including William Crozier, William Geissler, and William MacTaggart.
This exhibition society provided a platform for emerging Scottish artists to showcase their work at the New Gallery in Edinburgh for a decade.
The group fostered a sense of community and innovation within the Scottish art scene.

Themes and Subject Matter

Landscapes: Gillies is renowned for his depictions of the Lothian, Fife, and Border regions of Scotland. He captured the essence of these landscapes with a sensitive eye.
Still Lifes: Still life compositions were another significant focus, often featuring ceramics created by his younger sister, Emma Smith Gillies, whose premature death in 1936 deeply affected him.
Portraiture: While he experimented with portraiture early in his career, landscapes and still lifes became his primary subjects.

Major Achievements and Recognition

Gillies served as Principal of the Edinburgh College of Art from 1959 until his retirement in 1966.
His prolific output and dedication to teaching had a profound influence on generations of Scottish painters.
He was elected a Royal Academician (RA), signifying significant recognition within the art world.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Sir William George Gillies is considered one of Scotland’s most important 20th-century painters.
His work bridges the gap between early modernism and a distinctly Scottish artistic identity.
Legacy: His influence extends beyond his paintings, shaping the direction of Scottish art through his teaching and mentorship.
He died in 1973, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated for its beauty, sensitivity, and enduring relevance.

sir william george gillies

1898 - 1973 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Birth Date: 1898
Birth Place: Haddington, United Kingdom
Death Date: 1973
Influenced By:
- André Lhote
- Cézanne
- Braque
- Picasso
- Paul Klee
Movement:
- Cubism
- Scottish Colourists
Name: Sir William George Gillies
Nationality: Scottish
Notable Works:
- Young Boy with a Teapot
- Mediterranean Landscape with Overcast Sky
- Still Life – Yellow Jug and Striped Cloth
- The Origin of the Milky Way (after Jacopo Tintoretto)

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