Oil painting Iron and apples Valentina Simashchuk

Updated September 25, 2026

Lot number	23
Estimate	630.00 - 900.00 USD
Category	Fine Art & Prints
Auction	Still life paintings
Date	October 15, 2026 at 10:09 AM EDT
Auction house	NoFrame Gallery
Location	London

?AAA3448 The oil painting titled "Iron and Apples" presents a classic still-life composition that showcases a thoughtful arrangement of everyday objects, combining practical items from daily life with elements of nature. The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia, highlighting the simplicity and beauty of ordinary objects. By focusing on a rustic iron, a ceramic teapot, a clay pitcher, and fresh apples placed on a white draped cloth, the artist draws attention to the contrast between man-made objects and natural produce, emphasizing themes of balance, harmony, and tradition.At the center of the composition is a large antique iron, painted in dark tones of brown and black. The iron, with its solid structure and visible handle, symbolizes the strength and durability of traditional tools used in households for generations. Its weathered appearance suggests that it has been well-used, carrying the history and stories of past times. The iron serves as a reminder of the practicality and perseverance of past generations, contrasting with the freshness and vitality of the apples.Next to the iron is a ceramic teapot with a white glossy surface and a blue lid. The teapot adds a sense of warmth and hospitality to the composition, symbolizing comfort, family gatherings, and daily rituals. The smooth, polished surface of the teapot reflects light, creating a striking contrast with the matte texture of the iron. This juxtaposition of textures enhances the visual interest of the painting, drawing the viewer’s eye across the various elements.To the left of the teapot, a tall clay pitcher stands prominently. Painted in warm earthy tones of brown and ochre, the pitcher symbolizes tradition and connection to the natural world. Its handcrafted appearance and simple design evoke images of rural life, where such vessels were commonly used to store water, milk, or wine. The pitcher’s presence in the composition adds a rustic charm and reinforces the theme of simplicity and practicality.In the foreground, two apples—one green and one red—rest on the white draped cloth. The apples bring a touch of color and vitality to the otherwise muted palette of the painting. Their round, organic shapes contrast with the rigid, angular forms of the iron and teapot, adding balance and softness to the composition. The apples symbolize nature’s bounty, growth, and nourishment, suggesting a connection between the natural world and everyday human life.The white draped cloth that serves as the backdrop for the objects adds an element of elegance and softness to the painting. The artist uses gentle folds and shadows in the fabric to create depth and texture, making the objects appear more three-dimensional. The cloth also symbolizes purity and simplicity, further reinforcing the painting’s overall message of appreciating the beauty in ordinary, everyday items.Through "Iron and Apples," the artist conveys a message of balance between tradition and nature, practicality and beauty. The painting

Oil painting Iron and apples Valentina Simashchuk

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