Still LIfe, “Histoires Juives” 1924

Henri Matisse made this still life with oil paint, showing us everyday objects and books, including "Histoires Juives." Imagine Matisse in his studio, arranging these objects, maybe shifting them around, trying different angles. The colours are so vibrant, and those blue floral patterns in the background are amazing! I imagine him stepping back, squinting, then diving in with his brush, trying to capture the light bouncing off the fruit, the texture of the book covers. There's a real conversation happening here, a back-and-forth between observation and imagination. Each stroke feels like a little decision, a little experiment. And the books! What do you think he was reading? Was he inspired by the stories, the ideas, or maybe just the colours of the covers? Matisse is part of a long line of artists who’ve explored still life. Each one brings their own way of seeing, thinking, and feeling to it. Painting isn't about copying; it's about translating the world into a new language, one that’s personal, messy, and full of surprises.