Henri Matisse, regarded as one of the greatest colorists of the 20th century, painted a still life of a bowl of apples in 1916. The artwork showcases his shift towards a more formal discipline inspired by Cubism. Matisse is known for his unique and fluid draughtsmanship, making him a rival to Picasso in terms of innovation.
“Apples” is one of Matisse’s paintings focusing on still life themes that he frequently incorporated into larger interior studio pictures. The painting features apples resting in a bowl on top of a table with subtle background patterns that complement the subject matter.
Apart from “Apples,” goldfish were also recurring subjects in Matisse’s work from around 1912. His usage of bold and striking colors is evident throughout his artworks, and this painting is no different. The use of warm colors such as reds and oranges mixed with cooler tones like green produces an overall aesthetic visual balance.
