The artwork “Shells and Flowers” created by Max Ernst around 1965 in Paris, France, is a still life painting executed in oil on canvas. With dimensions of 36.8 x 50.8 cm, it falls under the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents an intriguing tableau featuring abstracted forms of shells and a flower. The composition is bold and minimalistic, characterized by the contrasting use of vivid colors. The backdrop is predominantly a deep, rich red that fills the majority of the canvas. Against this dramatic background, three white shell-like shapes and an orange flower are skillfully arranged, creating a dynamic visual interplay. Shadows and subtle color gradations are employed to give the shapes a sense of depth and dimension. The overall treatment is both simple and evocative, embodying the naive yet sophisticated essence of Primitivism.
