F.C.B. Cadell
Aspidistra and Bottle on Tableabout 1930This painting is from the later part of Cadell's career. From the First World War onwards he used increasingly bright colours and strong shapes in his work. Cadell frequently painted interiors and still lifes. The red chair in the background of this painting was from the artist's studio and can be seen in other still lives painted during the 1920s and 1930s. Although this still life contains few objects, the simple composition of the image is tied together by the use of red and pink tones throughout the painting.
Glossary [2] Show
Composition
The arrangement of different elements in a work of art.
Still life
A painting, drawing or photograph depicting inanimate objects.
- Accession no. GMA 3351
- Medium Oil on canvas laid on board
- Size 76.20 x 60.90 cm
- Credit Mr and Mrs G.D. Robinson Bequest through The Art Fund 1988
F.C.B. Cadell (Scottish, 1883 - 1937)
Cadell studied in Paris and lived in Munich before settling in his native Edinburgh around 1909. Cadell's pre-war work is influenced by the Impressionists. From around 1920, his work became brighter and bolder. Shadows were suppressed to such an extent that the paintings of this period are comprised of areas of flat colour. Cadell made regular trips to France and Iona with fellow Scottish Colourist S. J. Peploe. Both artists were influenced by the effects of strong sunlight, which led them to use areas of bright colour in their paintings.
Glossary [2] Show
Impressionism
An influential style of painting that originated in France in the 1870s with artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-August Renoir and Alfred Sisley. They were interested in capturing the changing effects of light, frequently exploring this through landscape scenes painted in the open air.
Scottish Colourists
A group of Scottish painters comprising S.J. Peploe, F.C.B. Cadell, Leslie Hunter and J.D. Fergusson who were active in the early 20th century. They all spent time in France and were influenced by French artists' bold use of colour and free brushwork.