The artwork “Still life with aubergines” by Henri Matisse is a notable piece created in 1911. Displayed on canvas using tempera as the medium, this still life falls under the Expressionism movement and is housed in the Musée de Grenoble in Grenoble, France. The genre is representative of the still life tradition, but it is depicted through the vibrant and emotive lens characteristic of the Expressionist style.
In the artwork, various elements are arranged in a way that is simultaneously harmonious and dynamic. The composition features aubergines placed upon a drapery with a bold red and orange pattern, exhibiting Matisse’s use of intense colors and contrasting patterns. The backdrop is adorned with decorative patterns and motley colors, such as blue floral designs set against a darker blue background, and a window that offers a glimpse into a pastoral landscape, adding depth and context to the scene. The domestic interior scene includes other items on the table, such as pottery, which alongside the plant life, conveys a sense of domestic comfort and artistic abstraction. Matisse employs flat areas of color and loose, expressive brushwork, which emphasise the surface of the canvas and distinguish his avant-garde approach to still life. The interplay of different elements and the overall composition reflect Matisse’s exploration of form, pattern, and color, making the work a vivid example of his contribution to the Expressionist movement.
