The artwork “Basket with anemones” by Georges Braque is a flower painting created in 1924 in France. Employing the medium of oil on canvas, this piece is representative of the Expressionist movement, which often sought to evoke emotional experiences rather than to replicate the physical reality precisely.
In the artwork, there is a palpable sense of depth and texture that is achieved through a robust application of paint. The basket of anemones is rendered with broad strokes and a rich palette of colors that vary from earthy browns to vibrant greens and creamy whites. The blossoms display a range of tonal values, with some anemones appearing more defined against the dark background, while others seem to blend into the foliage. The basket has a distinctive pattern which adds a tactile contrast to the softer shapes of the anemones. Despite the abstract approach, the subject is recognizable. The periphery of the canvas is characterized by a contrast of lighter and darker planes that frame the central composition, drawing the viewer’s eye towards the basket. Georges Braque’s signature can be discerned in the lower left corner, grounding the artwork with a touch of human presence. Overall, the piece reflects a balance of structure and spontaneity that is characteristic of Braque’s approach to still-life composition during this period.