The artwork titled “Bottles,” created by Richard Diebenkorn in 1960, is an oil painting on canvas that measures 86.4 by 66 centimeters. It belongs to the Expressionism art movement and represents the genre of still life. This distinguished piece is located in the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California, United States.
“Bottles” exhibits an abstract representation of a bottle situated on a flat surface. The artist employs a subdued yet impactful color palette predominantly composed of blues, greys, and earth tones. Diebenkorn’s brushstrokes are evident, contributing to a textured and layered composition, which evokes a sense of depth and dimensionality despite its abstract nature. The central focal point is a bottle, rendered with impressionistic detail, allowing the viewer to discern its form amidst the swirling background. The surrounding environment lacks intricate detail, suggesting an intentional abstraction to emphasize the bottle as the primary subject. The overall composition successfully conveys the quiet simplicity and contemplative nature typical of still life paintings while simultaneously embracing the energetic and emotive qualities of Expressionism.
