Still Life with Chocolate Pot 1900

Henri Matisse created *Still Life with Chocolate Pot* with oil paints on canvas. It's a traditional medium, yet the way Matisse used it, in visible brushstrokes, was revolutionary. The texture is thick, almost sculptural in places, like the folds of the tablecloth. The rough handling of the paint is crucial here. Matisse wasn't aiming for a smooth, illusionistic surface. Instead, he embraced the materiality of the paint itself, using it to build up a vibrant, pulsating composition. The application process is evident in the layers of color and bold marks. While Matisse was undoubtedly a highly skilled artist, he broke with academic traditions, emphasizing direct expression over technical perfection. This challenged the established hierarchy of art and craft, elevating the importance of the artist's individual touch. Ultimately, this approach invites us to reconsider what we value in art, encouraging a shift from mere representation to the recognition of creative labor.