Czobel Still Life 

Bela Czobel, a Hungarian painter who lived from 1883 to 1976, made this lithograph titled Czobel Still Life. Czobel's career was shaped by the turbulent history of the 20th century and his personal experiences as a Jewish artist in Europe. His work is characterized by a vibrant color palette and bold brushstrokes reminiscent of Fauvism and German Expressionism, styles that embraced emotional intensity. Here, the flowers in the vase, while traditionally domestic, also have an emotional, experiential aspect. The red and yellow blossoms seem to pulse with an inner life. Czobel’s identity was intertwined with the cultural and political upheavals of his time, including displacement during both World Wars. This still life, imbued with such a vibrant yet unsettled quality, offers a lens through which to consider how personal and collective histories shape artistic expression.