Albert Andre – Still Life – Vase of Flowers and Fruits on the Table, 1910 Sotheby’s

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a vase of flowers and a bowl of fruit, set upon a draped table. The background is dominated by a large, ornate mirror frame that partially obscures what lies beyond, creating a sense of depth while simultaneously limiting the viewers perspective.
Here we see a cluster of anemones in varying stages of bloom – some fully open, others tightly furled – arranged within a pearlescent vase. The color palette is restrained but rich; deep reds and purples contrast with softer pinks and whites within the flowers, while the vase itself possesses subtle tonal variations that suggest texture. To the right of the floral arrangement sits a shallow bowl containing two pieces of fruit – a yellow apple and a peach – rendered in warm, muted tones.
The table is covered by a loosely draped cloth of a reddish-brown hue, which contributes to the overall sense of domesticity and intimacy. The folds of the fabric are not precisely delineated, instead suggested through subtle shifts in color and tone, contributing to a slightly blurred, dreamlike quality. The mirror frame behind the still life is gilded with gold leaf, its intricate details adding an element of luxury and refinement.
The artist’s brushwork appears loose and expressive, prioritizing atmosphere over meticulous detail. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the scene. Light falls unevenly across the objects, creating highlights and shadows that define their form and volume. The subdued color scheme and soft lighting evoke a mood of quiet contemplation.
Subtleties within the arrangement suggest more than just a simple depiction of everyday objects. The inclusion of the mirror frame hints at themes of reflection and perception; it invites consideration of how we view both the external world and ourselves. The wilting or closed flowers could be interpreted as symbols of transience and the passage of time, while the fruit might represent abundance and ripeness. Overall, the work conveys a sense of melancholic beauty – a fleeting moment captured in paint, imbued with layers of symbolic meaning.