Vase 1907 - 1908

This vase was made by Othon Friesz, though the date is unknown, and it has been painted with what looks like ceramic paint. The bold, expressive mark-making gives this piece a real immediacy, as if Friesz made it in one sitting. It's like you can sense the speed of his hand. Up close, the textures really come alive. The black lines, thick and confident, define the figures and foliage, giving the images on the vase a sense of depth and movement, while the off-white background is applied in thin washes. Look at how Friesz uses these quick, sketchy strokes to create a scene teeming with life and energy. The figures are entwined with vegetation, it almost recalls Henri Matisse's explorations of colour and form. Ultimately, Friesz’s vase reminds us that art isn’t about perfection. It’s about the joy of making, the thrill of experimentation, and the ongoing conversation between artists across time.