In Morandi's still life paintings, the artist used the same objects repeatedly; the subject was secondary to the manner of representation. After 1950 his style became increasingly abstract. In this painting, the objects are grouped together in the centre of the composition, as if in self-protection, and are painted with a nervous, quivering line. Morandi is dealing primarily with shape, space and colour, and seems to avoid all hint of symbolism or narrative. However, his choice of subject matter and manner of presentation suggest qualities of modesty, reflection and silence.