#43971 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a starkly simplified style. A dark, nearly black rectangle dominates the left side of the canvas, acting as a visual barrier and creating a sense of enclosure. To its right, a field of ochre yellow extends across much of the upper portion, contrasting sharply with the darkness below.
Within this spatial arrangement, several objects are discernible. A cluster of what appear to be lemons is positioned on a low, rectangular form, which itself rests upon a dark surface that stretches horizontally across the lower third of the painting. Adjacent to these lemons stands a tall, white cylinder, seemingly acting as a vase or container. Above it, a mass of yellow forms suggests blossoms or foliage emerging from within the vessel.
The artist’s handling of form is characterized by an absence of detail and a reduction to essential shapes. The objects are not depicted realistically; instead, they are suggested through broad planes of color and simplified outlines. This approach lends the scene a sense of abstraction, moving beyond mere representation towards a focus on formal elements like shape, color, and spatial relationships.
The limited palette – primarily black, yellow, and white – contributes to the painting’s somber mood and emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow. The dark rectangle creates an atmosphere of mystery or confinement, while the bright yellows offer a glimmer of warmth and vitality. This interplay suggests a tension between opposing forces: darkness and light, enclosure and openness, stillness and potential growth.
The arrangement feels deliberate, yet somewhat enigmatic. It is difficult to ascertain the narrative context; the objects are presented without any explicit connection to a larger story or setting. The painting invites contemplation on themes of isolation, observation, and the inherent beauty found in simplicity.