Artwork

Still Life with Nutcracker

Still Life with Nutcracker, by Henri Matisse, oil, 1916
Still Life with Nutcracker, by Henri Matisse, oil, 1916

Still Life with Nutcracker is an oil painting by the Fauvist artist Henri Matisse. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Still Life with Nutcracker is a 1916 oil painting by Henri Matisse, a prominent figure in early 20th-century modern art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a still life arrangement featuring a nutcracker on top of stacked white plates, containing a bright green apple, set against a dark, indistinct background that hints at a tablecloth.

Technique & Style

Characterized by thick, visible brushstrokes and a bold color palette, the work exemplifies the Fauvist style, with the vibrant colors of the apple and nutcracker contrasting sharply with the dark surroundings.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection at Statens Museum for Kunst, representing Matisse's contribution to the development of modern art through his innovative use of color and form.

Still Life with a Dessert
Still Life with a Dessert, Paul Cézanne

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri Matisse

Artist

Henri Matisse

Henri Émile Benoît Matisse (French:; 31 December 1869 – 3 November 1954) was a French visual artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original draughtsmanship.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Still Life with Nutcracker?

Still Life with Nutcracker was painted by Henri Matisse in 1916.

Where can I see Still Life with Nutcracker?

Still Life with Nutcracker is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Still Life with Nutcracker?

Still Life with Nutcracker is associated with Fauvism.