“The Pink Napkin” is an artwork by Georges Braque, created in 1933 in France. Employing oil on canvas as its medium, the piece is a testament to the realms of Cubism and Surrealism, typifying the still life genre. Currently, the artwork belongs to a private collection.
The artwork showcases an array of objects that have been reinterpreted through the lens of Cubism, presenting multiple perspectives simultaneously. The background is a vivid red, providing a stark contrast to the more muted tones of the objects. At the forefront, geometric shapes and fragmented patterns converge to form a tabletop scene. Central to the composition is a draped napkin, rendered with a dynamic interplay of colors and patterns that suggest depth and texture. Surrounding the napkin are suggestive forms of fruits, including an assemblage that may hint at grapes, with circular forms and varying shades of purple—each distinguished by Braque’s cubist fragmentation. Objects are delineated with curves and sharp edges alike, and the overall effect is one of harmony within a complex and layered space. The artist’s signature is discreetly placed in the lower right-hand corner, confirming the authenticity and creator of the piece.
