Still Life with a Profile of Mimi

Meijer de Haan (1852 - 1895), Le Pouldu, 1889

oil on canvas, 50.2 cm x 61.4 cm

The tabletop tilts forward at a precarious angle but the fruit dishes stay put. This kind of illogical perspective was popular among a number of artists in Meijer de Haan’s day. It was inspired by Japanese prints.

Dutch artist Meijer de Haan moved first to Paris and then to Brittany. There, he took lessons from Paul Gauguin and stayed on to work with him. The painters had met via their mutual friend, Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s brother. Meijer de Haan had a liaison with the proprietor of the inn where they stayed. The little girl seen here was her daughter, Mimi.