The artwork “Two mullets” by Georges Braque, created in 1941 in France, is a testament to the artist’s engagement with Cubism and Expressionism. With the use of oil on cardboard, this still life painting reflects Braque’s unique interpretation of everyday objects through geometric abstraction. The piece is not publicly displayed but is a part of a private collection.
The artwork depicts two fish that appear to be mullets, positioned on a platter in the center of the composition. The fish are rendered with simple, bold outlines and are filled in with a vibrant orange, contrasting starkly with the muted and earthy tones of the background. The background seems to fracture and break into different planes and shapes, a signature characteristic of Cubism, which endeavors to show different perspectives simultaneously. To the right of the fish, there is a dark jug with a prominent letter “M” inscribed, standing out against the more diffused background.
The interplay of colors and shapes are harmonious yet depict a strong sense of fragmentation. The objects, though recognizable, are simplified and rearranged in such a way that invites the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the underlying forms and spatial relationships. The application of paint appears textured and layered, adding depth and a tactile quality to the work, which further emphasizes its expressive nature. The artwork is a quintessential example of how Braque’s exploration in Cubism branched into a more personal and expressive phase, striking a balance between abstraction and representation.
