Demijohn And Box Félix Édouard Vallotton (1865-1925)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a large glass demijohn. The vessel dominates the foreground, its translucent green surface reflecting light and creating complex patterns within its form. A smaller, similarly colored jug is positioned behind it, partially obscured by the larger container, contributing to a sense of depth. To the right, a shallow brass or bronze dish rests on the table, catching the light with a warm, golden sheen that contrasts sharply with the cool green tones of the glass objects.
A wooden box stands upright in the background, its surface displaying a rough texture and muted brown hues. The box’s presence introduces an element of functionality and perhaps even restraint to the scene. A portion of what appears to be a wall is visible behind the box, rendered in a somber grey that reinforces the overall subdued palette.
The arrangement is placed on a dark wooden table, its surface reflecting the light from above, creating a sense of solidity and grounding. The lighting is carefully controlled, emphasizing the reflective qualities of the glass and metal while casting deep shadows that define the forms and contribute to the painting’s mood.
Subtly, the objects suggest themes of containment and preservation. The demijohn, traditionally used for storing liquids, implies a holding back, a potentiality yet to be realized. The box similarly suggests storage and protection. The metallic dish, with its polished surface, might symbolize value or preciousness. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to consider the inherent beauty in everyday objects and the stories they might hold. Theres an austerity present; a deliberate simplicity that moves beyond mere representation towards a meditation on form, light, and texture.