#45551 Arpad Szenes

The composition presents a still life arranged on what appears to be a reflective surface, likely a table or sideboard. The background is dominated by a muted palette of greens and grays, suggesting an interior space with a window or wall paneling. This backdrop provides a relatively neutral field against which the objects are positioned.
A central arrangement features several vases holding floral elements. One vase, rendered in a vibrant red-orange hue, stands prominently, supporting a cluster of slender stems bearing white blossoms and green foliage. To its right, another vessel, decorated with intricate patterns, holds smaller plants. A third vase, more cylindrical in form, sits further back, partially obscured by the other objects.
To the left of these floral arrangements, a collection of disparate items is grouped together. These include what seems to be a ceramic bird perched on a pedestal, alongside fragments of patterned porcelain or decorative tiles. The presence of these broken pieces introduces an element of fragmentation and potential loss. A small orange sphere rests near them, adding a touch of warmth and organic form amidst the geometric shapes.
The artist’s use of color is noteworthy. While the background maintains a subdued tonality, the objects are rendered with more saturated hues – red, yellow, blue, and white – creating visual contrast and drawing attention to their individual forms. The brushwork appears deliberate, with visible strokes contributing to a textured surface that enhances the tactile quality of the scene.
The arrangement itself seems less about faithful representation than about exploring formal relationships between shapes and colors. There is an intentional juxtaposition of disparate objects – floral life alongside broken fragments – which could be interpreted as a meditation on themes of decay, memory, or the passage of time. The reflective surface beneath the objects creates a sense of depth and ambiguity, blurring the boundaries between foreground and background. It also suggests a layered reality where appearances are not always what they seem.

The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to consider the significance of everyday objects and their symbolic potential within a carefully constructed visual field.