Hartley, Marsden (American, 1877-1943) American artists

The composition presents a still life set against a highly stylized and decorative background. In the foreground, a dark blue cup filled with a light-colored liquid – likely coffee or tea – sits upon a matching saucer. The placement is central, drawing immediate attention. Beneath this sits a checkered surface of red and white squares, which provides a grounding element to the otherwise ethereal scene.
Behind the still life, the background is dominated by an archway constructed from concentric bands of yellow and white. A pale sphere rests at the apex of the arch, seemingly suspended within its form. Above this architectural feature, a pattern emerges: alternating vertical stripes of red and white, punctuated by stylized floral motifs and small, arched structures reminiscent of simplified Gothic windows or decorative panels. These elements contribute to an overall sense of heightened design and symbolic layering.
The color palette is bold and somewhat restricted, relying on primary colors – red, yellow, blue – and their variations. The use of flat planes and sharp outlines suggests a deliberate rejection of naturalistic representation in favor of a more abstract or decorative approach.
Subtly, the painting evokes a sense of domesticity intertwined with an underlying spiritual or symbolic dimension. The cup, representing everyday ritual, is elevated by its placement within this elaborate architectural framework. The sphere at the archs peak could be interpreted as a celestial body or a symbol of enlightenment, suggesting that even commonplace moments possess deeper significance. The decorative motifs and stylized forms hint at a yearning for order and beauty amidst an uncertain world. There’s a quiet tension between the mundane (the cup) and the monumental (the background), creating a visual dialogue about the intersection of everyday life and something larger than oneself.