About the Object
This still life painting reveals the influence of Cézanne and Picasso—in the treatment of the upturned table and flattened planes—and Matisse’s palette in the brilliant colors. An owl is perched on the back of the upturned table that is covered in a tapestry (another nod to Cézanne) and holds an open book, a conch shell, and a violin. An urn full of ivy overflows from the back wall onto the table while a crescent moon is visible through the window behind.
Additional Information
One of three works by Matulka in the Collection alongside Indian Dancers, c. 1917-18 (2008.03.01) and Cityscape, 1923 (VF2015.05.08). While each piece is distinct in subject and his handling of medium, they share Matulka’s interest in the fractured and flattened planes of Cubism.
The Artist;
Estate of the Artist;
[Robert Schoelkopf Gallery, New York, NY];
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Rambach, New Jersey, 1988-2000]
[Christie’s, Los Angeles, CA, October 24, 2000, lot no. 150];
Private Collection, Minneapolis, MN, until the present;
[Menconi & Schoelkopf Gallery, New York, NY];
New York, NY. Robert Schoelkopf Gallery. Jan Matulka: Paintings of the 1920s and 1930s. April 2-May 4, 1988.
Boca Raton, FL. The Boca Raton Museum of Art. Masterpieces of American Modernism: Selections from the Harvey and Françoise Rambach Collection. March 10-April 23, 1995.
Private Collection, Christie’s, Los Angeles, CA. Western & American Paintings, Drawings & Sculptures. October 24, 2000, lot no. 150, sold for $23,500.