still life on a mirror c1966 Porter Fairfield

The composition presents a still life arranged upon a reflective surface, likely a mirror or polished table. A profusion of flowers dominates the central space; predominantly red and white blossoms erupt from a tall, terracotta-colored vase. The blooms are rendered with loose brushstrokes, suggesting an emphasis on capturing their vitality rather than precise botanical accuracy. Scattered petals lie across the mirrored plane, contributing to a sense of fleeting beauty and decay.
To the left of the floral arrangement, two apples rest upon the reflective surface. Their forms are simplified, defined by broad planes of color that emphasize volume over detail. The mirror’s reflection creates an inverted image beneath these objects, blurring the distinction between reality and representation. A smaller, ornate porcelain vase sits adjacent to the larger terracotta one, holding a single pink rose on a slender stem. Its delicate detailing contrasts with the rustic quality of the other vessel.
The color palette is characterized by warm tones – reds, oranges, browns – juxtaposed against cooler whites and hints of blue within the porcelain vase’s decoration. The background is dark, almost black, which serves to heighten the luminosity of the objects in the foreground and intensify their visual impact.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of commonplace items, the painting seems to explore themes of transience and illusion. The mirrors reflective surface introduces an element of ambiguity, questioning the nature of perception and reality. The scattered petals suggest the ephemeral quality of beauty and life’s inevitable decline. The juxtaposition of the rough terracotta vase with the delicate porcelain one might be interpreted as a commentary on contrasts – perhaps between natural and artificial, or simple and ornate. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation on the interplay of appearance, memory, and the passage of time.