Zátiší s nůžkami 1916

Josef Capek made this still life of sewing objects, rendered in oil paint on canvas, at an unknown date. Capek lays down marks with apparent casualness, creating a sense of play within the composition. The subdued palette of browns and blues, punctuated by the odd splash of bright orange or pink, gives the painting an earthy and intimate feel. Look closely at the textural variation. Capek’s brushstrokes are so tangible, you can almost feel the push and pull of the bristles. That pair of blue scissors, for example, almost seems to float above the surface, rendered with such a playful hand. The composition feels like a collection of thoughts or memories – not quite Cubist, but certainly playing with perspective and form. Like the work of Giorgio Morandi, Capek embraces quiet contemplation, transforming everyday objects into something poetic. This isn’t just a painting; it’s a meditation on the beauty of the mundane.