“The Bowl,” created by Robert Delaunay in 1916, is an exemplar of the Orphism art movement. This genre painting, measuring 145 x 160.4 cm, belongs to a private collection.
The artwork depicts a lively and vibrant scene centered around a table adorned with various elements. Dominating the composition are circular forms, a hallmark of Orphism, which include a bowl of fruit with bright colors and slices of watermelon, injecting a sense of dynamic motion and vibrancy. A person is depicted on the right side of the artwork pouring a drink, rendered in soft, diffused colors that blend seamlessly with the tablecloth and background. The symmetrical arrangement of colored dishes and the vivid tablecloth contribute to the overall harmonic and rhythmic quality, characteristic of Delaunay’s work during this period.
