A Modernist Studio Still Life On Canvas With Poppies And A Blank Canvas & Easel

Modernist studio still life, with a tall, spare composition and a vivid accent of red. A length of white cloth and a blank canvas on an easel occupy most of the picture. The objects are gathered low in the composition, where a bundle of wheat cuts diagonally across the folds of the cloth and two brown pots. A small glass of red poppies draws the eye into the foreground. The style is geometric but softened by the drapery. Broad areas of cream, terracotta and ochre give the painting its structure, while cool blue-grey shadows bring out the folds. The blank canvas is an especially distinctive detail. The painting bears the JHB monogram at lower right, The recognisable studio objects and emphasis on geometry are consistent with her earlier figurative work. The interplay of warm terracotta and cool whites in this still life gives a sense of interest in colour. A retrospective of her work opened at Sceaux in 2013 and was described as such. 'Nothing in her work is left to chance. A rigorous scheme, very often adhering to the golden rule, secretly organizes the composition. It's an internalized, thoughtful painting, crafted with skill and temperament by a quality artist.' Presented in a dark recessed frame with a narrow gold-coloured edge. France, Circa 1980.
Dimensions: 117cm (H) x 72cm (W) x 3cm (D)