Naturaleza Muerta 1917

María Blanchard’s “Naturaleza Muerta” is an exercise in Cubist composition and subtle tonal exploration, all achieved with humble oil paints. The visible brushstrokes are the key here. Blanchard was clearly interested in the material qualities of her chosen medium. She wasn't trying to hide the labor involved in the creation of the painting. Instead, she revels in the texture created by the movement of her brush on canvas. The very visible and gestural brushstrokes build up the fractured planes of her composition. The thick application of paint gives depth and physicality to the still life arrangement, with subjects that become almost sculptural in their rendering. By embracing the material and the mark of the hand, Blanchard invites us to appreciate not only the finished image but also the physical act of painting itself. This approach elevates the value of the artist's labor. It reminds us that painting is not just about representation, it is also about the act of making.