Nature Mort aux Cerises (Still Life with Cherries on a Plate)
Oil
on canvas
60 x 50 cm
(23.6 x 19.7 in)
Signed lower right E.Montezin
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Montezin’s choice for paper as the primary support for this monumental piece enhances the effect of the different brushstrokes he employs to render the greenery in the background, the flowers in the vase and the cherries on the plate. Montezin is known to have used paper laid down on canvas as a support for many of his paintings. The paintings thus acquired a greater density without losing the spontaneous qualities of a loose brushstroke. Nature mort aux cerises is an excellent example of the successful employment of this difficult technique in combination with a wonderfully pleasing subject, resulting in a rare and attractive painting.
What makes this painting so unique are its colours. Most of Montezin’s paintings are done in more pasty palettes that lack the outspoken quality of this piece that immediately evokes the feeling of spring. The free and masterly brushwork splendidly renders the different textures of the tablecloth, the flowers, cherries, greenery, wooden chair, glass vase and cutlery. The composition is well chosen, loose, but with a clear sense of order and exciting perspective, making you want to look beyond the chair.
