Still Life with Two Vases, 1940, pencil on paper, 53 Henri Matisse (1869-1954)

This is a pencil sketch on paper titled Still Life with Two Vases by Lydia Delectorskaya, dated 1940. The artwork depicts a still life composition, appearing to be a study or preliminary sketch rather than a finished piece.

What I see:

The drawing is rendered in thin, delicate pencil lines on a light brown paper. The central focus is on two vases, though their forms are somewhat abstract and fluid. The vase on the left is larger and has a more elaborate, almost decorative top with scalloped edges. It appears to be full of stylized floral elements, which are also drawn with simple, curved lines. Some of these floral shapes are rendered in a way that almost suggests faces, with simple circular eyes and mouth-like lines.

In front of the larger vase, a second, more slender vase or bottle emerges. Its neck is elongated and tapers into a rounded top. It sits on what appears to be a table or pedestal, which is depicted with sharp, angular lines and decorative motifs of leaves or flowers. The overall composition is somewhat crowded, with elements overlapping and suggesting depth.

The background is largely empty, allowing the forms of the vases and flowers to dominate the space. The artists signature and the title are present in the lower left corner.

Subtexts:

• Study and Observation: As a sketch, the primary subtext is one of artistic exploration and observation. Delectorskaya is likely capturing the essence of her subject matter through line and form, experimenting with composition and visual relationships.
• Abstracted Reality: The rendering of the vases and flowers moves beyond strict photorealism. The fluid lines and simplifications suggest an interest in capturing the visual energy and mood of the objects rather than their precise likeness. The hints of faces within the flowers could suggest a touch of whimsy or an exploration of anthropomorphic qualities in nature.
• Intimacy and Domesticity: Still life paintings, especially those depicting flowers and domestic objects like vases, often evoke a sense of intimacy, contemplation, and the beauty of the everyday. This sketch, though abstract, likely carries that undertone.
• Lydia Delectorskayas Artistic Relationship: Knowing that Lydia Delectorskaya was a close collaborator and model for Henri Matisse, and that this is a work from 1940, places it within a significant period of her artistic development. While not explicitly apparent in the lines alone, its possible this study reflects influences from Matisses approach to still life, his use of bold lines, and his exploration of decorative patterns, even in preliminary works. The focus on form and pattern might hint at her deeper engagement with artistic principles.
• Simplicity and Elegance: The spare use of pencil and the clean lines create a sense of understated elegance. The drawing relies on the suggestion of form and volume through contour, showcasing a mastery of line work.