The artwork titled “Bowl of Apples on a Table” was created by the illustrious artist Henri Matisse in 1916. This oil on canvas painting measures 115 by 89.5 centimeters and is an exemplar of the Post-Impressionism movement, specifically focusing on the genre of still life. The artwork is currently housed at the Chrysler Museum of Art located in Norfolk, VA, US.
The artwork displays a vivacious and colorful representation of a bowl of apples resting on a table. The composition is characterized by the bold use of color and the simplification of forms, both hallmarks of Matisse’s style and Post-Impressionist tendencies. The bowl of fruit is rendered in a vibrant palette, with the apples showcasing a variety of hues including red, yellow, and green. The bowl itself appears on a pink stand with a dark base, providing a stark contrast to the brightly colored fruit. The background features two distinct areas divided by a vertical line, suggesting a wall and a table surface, painted in differing shades of blue and green that complement the vivid tones of the subject matter. The outlines are bold and clearly defined, with the overall painting embodying a sense of flatness and emphasizing decorative qualities over realistic depiction. The simplified form and striking color choices contribute to the still life’s lively and expressive nature, reflecting Matisse’s innovative approach to color and form.
