The artwork titled “Still Life with Grapes” was crafted by the artist Henri Matisse in the year 1896. Exhibiting a representative style related to the Realism art movement, the piece adheres to the still life genre. The canvas measures 65 by 50 centimeters, signifying a moderate size for such a detailed composition.
In the artwork, one can discern an arrangement of objects typically found in a traditional still life. The focal point is a cluster of grapes, rendered with a range of deep purples and greens, showcasing the natural variegation found in the fruit. These grapes, along with a few scattered leaves, rest upon a plate which bears a subtle reflective sheen. To the right, a decorative ceramic jar with intricate designs commands attention due to its detailed patterning and the contrast it provides against the darker background. Accompanying these items is a clear glass of water, its transparency and the reflections within it are depicted with careful attention to how light interacts with glass. All elements are placed upon a table draped with a white cloth, which itself has been painted to capture the soft folds and the play of shadows and light upon its surface. The entire scene is set against a dimly lit backdrop, allowing the objects on the table to stand out, their colors and textures contributing to a sense of depth and realism. The signature of Henri Matisse is visible at the bottom left, affirming the authenticity and artistic authorship of the work.
