art 053 Maurice Prendergast

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a vibrant and expressive style. Here we observe a tabletop covered with a light blue cloth, upon which various objects are placed. A terracotta pot containing a leafy plant occupies the left side of the canvas, its form defined by thick, textured brushstrokes in shades of brown and ochre. Adjacent to it sits a dark bottle, its shape elongated and simplified, contributing to the overall geometric quality of the scene.
A shallow platter is positioned centrally, laden with numerous oranges. These fruits are not depicted realistically; instead, they appear as flattened forms, their surfaces built up from layers of orange, red, and yellow paint. The application of color is bold and unblended, creating a sense of immediacy and energy. A small cup and saucer rest near the plant, adding another element to the domestic setting.
The background is composed of loosely applied strokes in blues and greens, which seem to vibrate against the warmer tones of the foreground objects. This creates a shallow depth and emphasizes the flatness of the picture plane. The artist’s signature appears in the lower right corner.
Subtly, the painting suggests themes of abundance and domesticity. The arrangement of fruit implies prosperity, while the presence of the plant introduces an element of natural growth and vitality. However, the stylized rendering and flattened perspective disrupt any sense of conventional realism, suggesting a focus on formal qualities – color, shape, and texture – rather than representational accuracy. The deliberate distortion of form and the energetic brushwork convey a subjective experience of the scene, hinting at an emotional response to everyday objects.