“Leaves in color of light” is an artwork by Georges Braque created in 1953 in France. This piece is done in lithography on paper and is associated with the Expressionism movement. It falls under the genre of still life, which is a common theme in fine art involving the depiction of inanimate subject matter.
In the artwork, we observe a composition that primarily features a vase with leaves. The leaves are stylized with bold outlines and appear almost flat, a characteristic that aligns with Expressionistic tendencies to emphasize the artist’s emotional response to the subject rather than realistic depiction. Colors in the artwork are used in a manner that creates contrast, with bright areas that seem to represent light illuminating the leaves and the vase. The lithographic technique used by Braque allows for a layering of colors and an exploration of texture, imbuing the work with a sense of depth despite the flat nature of the forms. The background is composed of dark and muted tones, which further serves to highlight the subject at the center. This interplay between light and shadow, as well as the choice of color, adds to the overall emotive quality of the work, inviting the viewer to experience the scene beyond mere visual representation. Additionally, Braque’s use of space and economy of line in delineating the vase and leaves reflects his expertise in creating balance within the composition.
