#44001 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by vibrant red blooms emerging from a cylindrical vessel. The flowers, rendered in thick impasto strokes, appear densely packed and somewhat chaotic, their forms abstracted rather than realistically depicted. Their color is intense, bordering on fiery, contrasting sharply with the cooler tones of the background.
Here we see a backdrop constructed from broad planes of blue, gray, and hints of green, which lack clear definition or perspective. These blocks of color dont function as a traditional spatial setting; instead, they contribute to an overall sense of flatness and compression. The vessel holding the flowers is similarly simplified, its form suggested through brushstrokes rather than precise lines. A band of red appears at the base of the container, subtly unifying it with the floral display above.
The application of paint is characterized by a vigorous energy; visible brushwork creates texture and movement across the canvas. This technique lends an immediacy to the scene, suggesting a spontaneous capture of a fleeting moment. The lack of fine detail and the emphasis on color and form point towards a deliberate move away from naturalistic representation.
Subtly, the painting evokes feelings of intensity and perhaps even tension. The overwhelming presence of red can be interpreted as symbolizing passion, vitality, or even agitation. The compressed space and flattened perspective contribute to a sense of confinement, while the abstracted forms deny easy interpretation, inviting contemplation on the nature of perception and representation. The arrangement feels less like a tranquil still life and more like an exploration of color and form, with the flowers serving as vehicles for expressing emotional intensity rather than simply depicting botanical subjects.