Henri Matisse’s “Still Life with Blue Tablecloth,” created in 1909, is an oil on canvas exemplifying the Expressionist movement. With dimensions of 34 5/8 by 46 1/2 inches (88 by 118 cm), this still life genre artwork is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork showcases a vibrant composition, characterized by bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes that were typical of Matisse’s style during this period. A cheerful blue tablecloth serves as the background, where Matisse has portrayed contrasting patterns adding a sense of depth and movement. On the table are a bright orange jug, a green bottle, and a bowl filled with fruit, presumably oranges or lemons, which inject a variety of warm hues that stand out against the blue. The objects exhibit simplified forms and contours, as Matisse skews traditional perspective to emphasize the flatness of the canvas while simultaneously ensuring each element maintains its substance. The play between color and form demonstrates Matisse’s exploration into the expressive possibilities of painting, characteristic of the Expressionist movement’s pursuit of evoking emotional responses more than representational accuracy.
