Still Life with Black Knives 1896

Henri Matisse made this painting, Still Life with Black Knives, using oil on canvas. In it, we see a collection of everyday objects. The paint application is thick, with visible brushstrokes. This impasto technique gives a tactile quality to the work. Matisse’s treatment of these ordinary items invites us to consider the labor involved in producing and consuming them. The knives, the bottles, the ceramic vessels: all objects made through processes, and handled by many hands before arriving at this moment of representation. The black handles of the knives stand out, perhaps referencing the working-class associations of everyday cutlery at the time. These are not fancy silver implements, but tools for a simple meal. Even the roughly textured canvas, and the visible brushwork contribute to a sense of unpretentious authenticity. Paying attention to materials, making, and the social context encourages a broader understanding of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.