The artwork “Still Life with ‘Dance'” was created by the renowned artist Henri Matisse in 1909. This oil on canvas painting is a fine example of the Expressionism movement. As a still life, it depicts a vivid arrangement of objects and is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork features a bold composition with vibrant hues and expressive brushwork characteristic of Matisse’s style during this period. Central to the piece are a variety of objects carefully positioned on a patterned tablecloth, including a tray with lemons and apples, and two vases with flowers. In the background, there is also a tapestry or painting depicting dancing figures, adding a dynamic element to the scene. The color palette is rich, with contrasting colors creating a sense of depth and movement. The use of flattening space and simplified forms reflects Matisse’s departure from traditional still life representation, moving towards a more modern and abstract depiction.
