Artwork
Le plateau vert
Le plateau vert is an oil painting by the Fauvist artist Henri Manguin. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Henri Manguin’s 1912 oil work, titled Le plateau vert, presents a vibrant still‑life arranged on a green tray. The composition includes assorted citrus, apples and a yellow fruit, alongside a glass jar, bottle and small cup, set against a wall draped with a floral‑patterned fabric. The scene is rendered in bold hues that convey a lively domestic atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts everyday objects, a table laden with fruit and vessels, transforming a simple domestic setting into a study of color and form. The juxtaposition of bright greens, yellows and reds invites contemplation of abundance and the sensory pleasures of the kitchen, while the patterned backdrop adds a decorative, almost theatrical context.
Technique & Style
Manguin employs visible brushwork that creates a textured surface, allowing the pigments to pulse with energy. The palette is saturated, emphasizing primary colors and their contrasts. The handling of light on glass and fruit surfaces reflects an interest in Fauvist colorism, while the composition retains a clear, organized arrangement typical of early‑20th‑century still‑life painting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1912, Le plateau vert entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. The work represents a period when Manguin was active in the French avant‑garde, contributing to exhibitions that highlighted the shift toward expressive color and decorative motifs.
Context
The painting emerges from a time when French artists were exploring bold chromatic experiments, moving beyond naturalistic representation. Manguin, associated with the Fauvist circle, applied these ideas to still‑life subjects, integrating decorative elements that echo contemporary interior design trends and the growing fascination with exotic fruit as symbols of modernity.
Artist & collection
