The artwork titled “Still Life with Pomegranates” was created by Henri Matisse in 1947 and is a notable example within the genre of still life from the Expressionism movement. It exhibits the distinct characteristics associated with Matisse’s style and the broader art movement, emphasizing emotional expression over accurate representation.
The composition of the artwork is vibrant and features a juxtaposition of bold colors with a dynamic, yet simplified representation of objects. In the foreground, a tabletop presents a plate with what appears to be citrus fruits and a sliced pomegranate, vivid in color and reduced to essential forms. Behind the arrangement on the table, the viewer can observe a windowpane or a picture with plant-like patterns set beside an ornamental piece with geometric designs. All elements are rendered with a distinct flatness, characteristic of Matisse’s later works, allowing color and shape to take precedence over three-dimensional spatial relationships. The limited but striking palette, which includes deep reds, oranges, blacks, and whites, further accentuates the expressive nature of the artwork.
