The artwork titled “Still life with lobster” was created by the French artist Georges Braque in 1948. Braque, renowned for his contributions to Cubism and his exploration of Expressionism, employed oil on canvas to manifest this composition. The piece measures 58 x 25 cm and adheres to the still life genre, a thematic choice which Braque often revisited throughout his career. Currently, the artwork is held within a private collection.
The artwork is a quintessential example of Braque’s mature style, which combines elements of Cubism with a more Expressionistic approach to color and form. Abstracted shapes and fragmented objects are depicted in a restrained palette with subtle gradations of color, characteristic of Braque’s later work. Despite the complex spatial constructions typical of Cubism, there is a discernible arrangement of objects, including what appears to be a lobster prominently positioned, bottles, possibly a knife, and fruits or similar items suggestive of a meal arrangement. Braque’s use of light and shadow imparts depth to the composition, and his characteristic stenciled letters can be observed, adding another layer of texture and complexity to the piece.
Braque’s mastery in balancing both the abstract and the recognizable allows the viewer to navigate through the painting with a sense of familiarity, despite the unconventional depiction of the still life elements. The artwork stands as a testament to Braque’s enduring legacy in the realm of modern art, illustrating his ability to evolve the principles of Cubism while imbuing his work with a sense of emotion and expression that resonates with the viewer.