Opusculum paedagogicumThe pears are not viols,Nudes or bottles.They resemble nothing else.They are yellow formsComposed of curvesBulging toward the base.They are touched red.They are not flat surfacesHaving curved outlines.They are roundTapering toward the top.In the way they are modelledThere are bits of blue.A hard dry leaf hangsFrom the stem.The yellow glistens.It glistens with various yellows,Citrons, oranges and greensFlowering over the skin.The shadows of the pearsAre blobs on the green cloth.The pears are not seenAs the observer wills.

Summary

This quote is a short description of a still-life painting of pears called "Opusculum paedagogicum." It emphasizes the unique characteristics and beauty of the pears, conveying that they cannot be compared to other objects but are distinct in their own right. The description highlights their shape, color, and texture with detailed observations, conveying a sense of vividness and tangibility. The mention of shadows and the suggestion of different perspectives in perceiving the pears indicate that their true essence and impact cannot be fully controlled or determined by the viewer's own preferences or expectations.

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