Still Life 1972

Henri Catargi's "Still Life" is a study in muted tones, composed with an eye for geometric simplicity. The artist used oil on canvas for this work. Immediately striking is the composition: the interplay between the curvilinear forms of the porcelain and the angular planes of the background. This juxtaposition creates a subtle tension, softened by the limited palette of greys, creams, and a single yellow accent. Catargi here seems preoccupied with the formal relationships between objects. The whiteness of the tableware against the somber backdrop emphasizes their shape and texture, reducing them to almost abstract forms. The flatness of the picture plane, devoid of traditional perspective, pushes these objects forward, inviting a focus on their intrinsic qualities rather than their symbolic value. The painting destabilizes the traditional still life genre by minimizing depth and detail, prompting us to consider how everyday objects, when decontextualized, can challenge our perception of space and representation.