Still Life with Lobsters 1925

Nicolae Darascu's "Still Life with Lobsters" presents us with a tableau rich in colour and texture, articulated through vigorous brushstrokes. Predominantly, the composition is anchored by the robust reds of the lobsters, juxtaposed against the cool blues and whites of the surrounding objects. The arrangement isn't merely representational; it's a carefully constructed dialogue between form and space. Observe how the vertical thrust of the bottle contrasts with the horizontal spread of the table, creating a dynamic tension. This interplay can be interpreted through the lens of structuralism, where each element functions as a sign within a larger system. The semiotic weight of the objects—the wine bottle, the lobsters, the simple eggs—invites contemplation on themes of indulgence versus simplicity, and the cultural codes that imbue these items with meaning. Darascu challenges fixed perspectives by disrupting traditional still-life arrangements. Ultimately, the painting’s vibrant materiality serves not just aesthetic ends but also engages in a broader discourse about how we perceive and assign value to everyday objects. It reminds us that art perpetually invites re-evaluation.