#44008 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The painting presents a still life composition dominated by a vibrant red form that appears to be both a vessel and a cluster of blooms. The artist has placed this central element against a textured background rendered in muted earth tones – ochre, beige, and hints of grey – creating a stark contrast that draws the eye immediately to the crimson focal point.
The application of paint is notably thick and impastoed, particularly on the red form. This technique lends a tactile quality to the work, suggesting physicality and weight. The brushstrokes are visible and energetic, contributing to a sense of immediacy and raw emotion. The blooms themselves are not rendered with botanical accuracy; instead, they are suggested through bold strokes and color variations – deep reds, purples, and blacks – creating an abstract impression rather than a realistic depiction.
Below the red form sits a rectangular block, also painted in thick layers, which serves as a base or pedestal. Its placement grounds the composition while simultaneously emphasizing the verticality of the central element. The background is not uniform; it displays a complex layering of paint and texture, hinting at depth and suggesting an environment beyond the immediate subject matter.
Subtly, there’s a sense of confinement within the frame. While the colors are intense, they are contained by the limited palette and the close cropping of the composition. This might evoke feelings of introspection or even melancholy. The abstraction employed prevents any straightforward narrative interpretation; instead, it encourages contemplation on themes of vitality, fragility, and perhaps the passage of time – the blooms suggesting a transient beauty against the enduring solidity of the vessel and base. The signature in the lower right corner is discreet but present, anchoring the work within an individual artistic expression.