Interior with a Picture 1985

Patrick Caulfield made this painting, ‘Interior with a Picture’, using acrylic on canvas. Caulfield’s flat application of colour, here in shades of red, brown, yellow and green, is typical of Pop Art, a style which emerged in Britain and the United States in the 1950s. Although often overlooked, Pop Art was more than just a celebration of popular culture. Artists also critically examined the ways in which art was consumed by society. Caulfield frequently represented interiors in his work. The framed still life in ‘Interior with a Picture’ draws on traditions of fine art and domesticity. Caulfield uses bold lines and contrasting colours to draw our eye to the way images decorate our homes. In what ways do images reflect our values and aspirations? The image questions how institutions have shaped our understanding of art. Historians use primary sources such as artist's statements and exhibition reviews to understand the cultural context of artworks. This helps us understand the role of art in society.