La Tranche De Pastèque 1927

Louis Marcoussis painted this still life, "La Tranche De Pastèque", with oil on canvas, in the early twentieth century. Notice how the humble watermelon slice is elevated beyond mere fruit. The crescent moon above echoes its form, linking earthly delights with celestial rhythms. The moon, a universal symbol, carries the weight of centuries. From ancient lunar goddesses to its appearance in van Gogh's nightscapes, the moon evokes cycles of change, feminine energy, and the subconscious. Marcoussis subtly juxtaposes it with the watermelon. This fruit, often a symbol of abundance, fertility, and the sweetness of life, is here reduced to geometric forms. Consider how artists across time have deployed still life to hint at deeper themes. A seemingly simple grouping can become a vessel for longing, melancholy, or even a celebration of fleeting beauty. The moon and the watermelon, together, create an emotionally potent image. It engages our own deep-seated associations with nature’s bounty and the mysteries of the night.