Lemons and Bottle of Dutch Gin 1896

"Lemons and Bottle of Dutch Gin" is an oil painting by Henri Matisse created in 1896. This still life features a simple composition of lemons, a bottle of gin, a glass, and a knife, all set against a dark background. Matisse's use of color and light in this early work is notable, particularly in the way the yellow of the lemons contrasts with the cool blues and greens of the bottle and glass. The painting exemplifies Matisse's early interest in the everyday objects and the simple beauty of the mundane. This work shows a transition from Matisse’s early artistic development from Impressionism towards his later Fauvist style.