#43957 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a still life arranged within a shallow pictorial space. Dominating the foreground is a bowl, rendered in shades of cream and white, its form fractured by angular brushstrokes that suggest both volume and instability. The bowl appears to rest on a surface delineated with broad planes of blue, which recede into the background.
The color palette is restricted primarily to blues and whites, creating a cool, somewhat somber atmosphere. Variations in tone within these colors – ranging from deep indigo to pale cerulean – add depth and complexity to the scene. The application of paint is vigorous; thick impasto creates texture and emphasizes the materiality of the objects depicted.
Behind the bowl, a vertical arrangement of shapes suggests architectural elements or draped fabric. These forms are similarly constructed with angular planes and bold color contrasts, contributing to an overall sense of fragmentation and abstraction. A cluster of what appear to be foliage – perhaps branches or leaves – is positioned on the right side of the canvas, adding a touch of organic detail amidst the geometric structure.
The artist’s handling of perspective is unconventional; spatial relationships are flattened and distorted, denying traditional depth cues. This approach contributes to a sense of ambiguity, where objects seem simultaneously present and detached from reality. The limited color range and fractured forms evoke a mood of introspection or melancholy, while the deliberate distortion of space challenges conventional notions of representation. Theres an underlying tension between solidity and ephemerality – the bowl appears substantial yet its form is unstable, suggesting a fleeting moment in time.