The artwork under consideration is titled “Knife + Tomato I,” created by Richard Diebenkorn in 1962. Rendered using oil on canvas, this work belongs to the Expressionism movement. It measures 34.6 by 25.7 centimeters and falls under the still life genre.
“Knife + Tomato I” exhibits a simplistic yet evocative composition featuring a knife alongside a halved tomato, set against a muted background. The expressionistic brushstrokes imbue the otherwise mundane items with a sense of vibrancy and texture. The bold, direct application of paint highlights the rich, varying hues of the tomato and the reflective sheen of the knife, capturing an interaction between light and shadow. The stark contrast between the deep red of the tomato and the neutral tones of the surroundings draws immediate attention, emphasizing the central elements and showcasing Diebenkorn’s deft handling of color and form.
