“Still Life, Bouquet of Dahlias and White Book” is an artwork by Henri Matisse created in 1923. The piece is part of the Fauvism art movement and falls into the genre of still life. This painting exemplifies the characteristic elements of Fauvism, which is noted for its use of vivid, non-naturalistic colors and simple forms.
The artwork portrays a vibrant arrangement of dahlias placed in a dark vase, set upon a table against a floral patterned wallpaper. Alongside the vase, there is a wooden chair with a light-colored seat back that provides a contrasting shape to the rounded flowers. To the left of the dahlias, a platter bearing fruit—a peach and an apple—and a glass of water are depicted, resting squarely on the tabletop. These objects are rendered with broad, loose brushstrokes, which imbue the scene with a sense of energetic immediacy. On the right, a white book lies open, its pages invitingly displayed, adding a touch of tranquility to the composition. This book, along with a decorative blue-and-white porcelain object, likely a jug, balances the composition, reflecting Matisse’s interest in harmonious arrangements and interior settings. The varied textures and tones contribute to a dynamic yet intimate portrayal of a domestic scene.
