GEORGES BRAQUE, Nature Morte aux Fruits et Fourchette, 1942

This 1942 work of Braque’s depicts a large vase and cutlery on a table, where a fruit bowl (or, simply, a dish containing some fruit) also lies.

The manner in which this work was composed remains very discernible within the canvas: brush strokes are present throughout, on every element, creating fading, shades and textures of differing thickness across the entire surface. In places, the piece lacks any artistic material whatsoever, creating what could be described as non-finito (unpainted areas) within the painting.

As in many of his paintings, Braque allows for a clear gap between the real-life objects that he is representing and the forms that he uses to paint them. He draws these objects schematically, with some of the features even entirely broken down. Numerous curved lines run across the composition, creating an impression of lightness and fluidity. Aside from the window in the top right, the whole piece is very dynamic indeed. The painter’s own efforts are openly on-show for the viewer: the physical materiality of the piece, its borders, its front-facing nature, the graining, the indelible mark of Braque’s brush strokes and the colours he uses all come across as structural elements of the work. In fact, they become, in and of themselves, the true driving force behind the painting. It feels as if the material details create an ‘organic’ whole; the textural and chromatic aspects take over from the actual coherence of the scene.

Colour, therefore, becomes a central concern in this work: a grey-blue tone is present across the entire painting; a number of shades form part of this, with dark greys (which are, indeed, practically black), light greys, blue-greys and light blues. The hints of white and the un-painted areas, which appear to be light beige, underwrite this further. This whole aspect of the work is further emphasised by the presence of yellow and emerald green on the fruit bowl, which creates a subtle, warm-cool contrast.

This piece’s style is totally different from those of earlier periods – it contains various, very modern characteristics.

Georges Braque’s Post Cubist Masterpieces, Anthem Edition, 2024.