Still Life

In this still life by Georges Braque, shapes and colours have been decoratively placed against one another, with bright yellow and green fruits being placed seemingly at random in white bowls. The painting’s vibrancy stems from the interaction between the white and blue areas, and is further intensified by the contrast between the blue and the clear yellow. By suggesting movement and energy, the composition’s diverging diagonal lines add vitality to the painting. A bold, unexpected visual effect is created by the inclusion of imitation wood panel. These components are finely detailed and are readily apparent as they contrast with the simple, abstract areas of the painting.

In the manner of cubism, the image has not been depicted from a fixed vantage point but is seen from several angles at once. For example, the bowls are seen from the side, while the underlying surface is seen partly from above. By and large the various shapes have been depicted as surfaces, but a few of the shapes have been shaded, such as the grey “frame” in profile in the upper right. This imbues these shapes with a three-dimensional effect that leads to a more naturalistic design.

The painting does not show a recognizable depth perspective, though it does give the impression of having a variety of depths. What we see is a complex, sophisticated interaction between different planes, which are juxtaposed in the painting to create an overarching two-dimensional effect.

The painting belongs to the final phase of cubism, often called synthetic cubism. As seen in Georges Braque’s painting, the typical traits of this phase include simplification by means of large, calm areas and a more varied use of colour.