The artwork “Dishes and Fruit” by Henri Matisse, created in 1906, is an oil on canvas that epitomizes the Post-Impressionist movement. As a still life genre, the painting is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum, located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This piece exemplifies Matisse’s bold approach to color and composition, distinguishing his work during the early 20th century.
In the artwork, one can observe a composition that is vivid with color and dynamic in its arrangement of objects. The scene depicted is a table setting that includes various pieces of tableware and a selection of fruit. Central to the composition is a brightly colored tablecloth adorned with intricate patterns, which forms a backdrop for the ensemble of objects. The hue and treatment of light in the painting create a sense of depth and texture that defy conventional representation.
Fruits, possibly lemons and an orange, imbue the artwork with a sense of freshness and are rendered in a way that emphasizes their organic forms and bright, citrus colors. The dishes are portrayed with an economy of detail, yet their shapes and the reflections on their surfaces are skillfully implied through Matisse’s use of color and brushstrokes. The bold outlines and the dramatic juxtaposition of colors are indicative of Matisse’s departure from traditional realism and his embrace of the expressive potential of painting, thus contributing to the development and recognition of the Post-Impressionist movement.
