The artwork titled “Still Life with Oranges II” was created by Henri Matisse in the year 1899. Matisse, who would later become renowned for his expressive use of color and draughtsmanship, worked in the medium of oil on canvas to produce this piece. With dimensions of 46.7 x 55.2 cm, it belongs to the art movement known as Expressionism, a genre characterized by its emotional intensity and vivid color palette. The piece exemplifies the still life genre and is currently housed at the Washington University Gallery of Art (WUSTL) in St. Louis, MO, United States.
“Still Life with Oranges II” presents a vibrant and textured scene capturing the simplicity and beauty of everyday objects. Set against a backdrop that features warm hues of yellow and orange, the composition demonstrates Matisse’s early exploration of light and color. Prominently placed within the scene is a collection of oranges, both on a plate and scattered loosely. These citrus fruits stand out with their vivid tones of orange, creating a sense of tangibility and freshness. A green pitcher to the left of the composition adds a contrasting color element, enhancing the overall visual interest. The rough, almost spontaneous brushwork provides energy to the artwork, indicating Matisse’s departure from the more traditional approaches to still life painting. The combination of bold, unblended colors and dynamic brushstrokes imbues the piece with a sense of emotional resonance characteristic of the Expressionist movement.
