Petr Matýsek, Still Life with Apples & Bananas - Antique Oil Painting

1920 - 1940

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This fine early 20th-century oil painting by Czech artist Petr Matýsek (1885-1941) depicts apples, bananas and a plant arranged on a tablecloth.

Perspective is such an important component of still-life painting. Traditionally, artists have adopted a viewpoint a few steps back, with a slightly elevated angle to provide depth - for example, in numerous 17th-century Dutch works. However, by the late 19th century, progressive thinkers were breaking all the rules and experimenting with new ideas. One such mind was Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) whose wonky array of unbalanced tabletops were groundbreaking and adventurous.

Influenced by the ideas of that great Frenchman, Matýsek has selected a composition which encompasses the entire table. By doing so, he’s bringing us closer to the scene, as if we could reach down into the bowl and steal away one of those succulent apples. And to compound the palpable sense of reality, every surface is rendered exquisitely - with careful attention to the apparent effects of light.

Signed/inscribed lower right and frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 32” x 30” / 81cm x 76cm

Year of creation: c. 1930

Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Artist’s auction maximum: £5,284

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

81cm (31.89")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA998920

Description

This fine early 20th-century oil painting by Czech artist Petr Matýsek (1885-1941) depicts apples, bananas and a plant arranged on a tablecloth.

Perspective is such an important component of still-life painting.

“

Traditionally, artists have adopted a viewpoint a few steps back, with a slightly elevated angle to provide depth - for example, in numerous 17th-century Dutch works.

Brave Fine Art

However, by the late 19th century, progressive thinkers were breaking all the rules and experimenting with new ideas. One such mind was Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) whose wonky array of unbalanced tabletops were groundbreaking and adventurous.

fig 1. Petr Matýsek, Still Life With Apples & Bananas - Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. Petr Matýsek, Still Life with Apples & Bananas - Antique Oil Painting

Influenced by the ideas of that great Frenchman, Matýsek has selected a composition which encompasses the entire table. By doing so, he’s bringing us closer to the scene, as if we could reach down into the bowl and steal away one of those succulent apples. And to compound the palpable sense of reality, every surface is rendered exquisitely - with careful attention to the apparent effects of light.