From 1918 onwards

On a rectangular table-top, whose right corner appears to jut out into the viewer’s space, there is a careful arrangement of a tall clay pot, a piece of light material and a kind of towel with black stripes. In the foreground of the table are a lemon, apples, an overturned bag from which fruit has spilled, behind it stands an enamelled clay jug with a handle. The space is confined by neutral walls.

No research has as yet been done on De Gauss’ work. This still life reveals the painter’s contact with modern art, his interest in the perspective structure of space and his feeling for the material quality of objects. He acquired the latter in particular while he was still studying at the Budapest Academy, where, as he himself once wrote, the students were also taught to produce applied art objects in various materials.

Provenance: On a commission from the Italian Ministry this painting was purchased in 1942 in the artist’s studio by Superintendent Fausto Franco as a gift from the Italian provincial occupation government to the Narodna galerija in Ljubljana. The painting was chosen by the artist. It was presented to the Narodna galerija in 1942; confirmation of the inventorisation of the painting dated 16 April 1943, old Inv. No. 1878; 1952–1983 on loan to the Moderna galerija, Ljubljana.
Exhibition: 1989, Ljubljana, No. 72.
Lit.: Zeri and Rozman 1989, pp. 108, 158, Cat. No. 72, Fig. 71.
Note: Inscription on the back of the canvas: Ladislau Gauss 1942.