In Quatre pommes et un couteau, four apples are arranged on a table beside a knife. The apples are painted in rich reds and greens, showcasing Cézanne's characteristic brushwork. The background is a muted tone, allowing the fruit to stand out prominently.

The composition is simple yet effective, drawing the viewer's eye to the vibrant colors of the apples. Cézanne employs oil on canvas for this still life, a medium that allows for texture and depth. The brushstrokes are visible, creating a sense of movement and life in the stillness of the objects. The light source is subtle, casting soft shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the apples.

This technique is typical of Cézanne's style, emphasizing form and color over detail. Paul Cézanne, a key figure in Post-Impressionism, aimed to bridge Impressionism and Cubism. Quatre pommes et un couteau reflects his exploration of color and form, focusing on the essence of the objects rather than their exact representation. An interesting fact about this work is that it exemplifies Cézanne's belief that nature could be reduced to geometric shapes, a concept that influenced many modern artists.