“Red Fish and a Sculpture” is an artwork by Henri Matisse, created in 1911. This piece is executed in oil on canvas, and exemplifies the Expressionist movement through its vivid color palette and emotive portrayal of the subject matter. The genre of this artwork is classified as still life. Currently, the artwork resides in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) located in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork portrays a vivacious scene composed with bold colors and simplified forms. Central to the composition is a large blue container adorned with a depiction of red fish. In front of this vessel is a small table or stand bearing a vase of brightly hued flowers, which contrasts sharply against the blue background. To the right, a nude sculpture rests tranquilly, and above it, on a shelf or ledge, there sits a small framed painting within the painting. The background is split into various planes of color, resulting in a flattened, yet dynamic space. This interplay of objects, color, and form is characteristic of Matisse’s innovative approach that bridges the gap between representational subjects and the avant-garde exploration of color as an emotional force.
