MANTEL WITH PLASTER CAST AND BLACK FAN

DeNiro, Robert Sr. (1922-1993)

Oil on Canvas

1954

Collection of George and Elinor Poindexter

X1968.07.01

A very painterly depiction of a still life setting; a mantle with a variety of objects setting along it. The objects are tightly placed, overlapping each other slightly. The plaster cast of the title is only seen partially as the edge of the canvas interrupts the full view of the form. It is quite probably the same form as more clearly depicted in DeNiro's "Still Life with Plaster Cast" of the same year, which provides insight into this painting. The black fan is rendered predominately with a strong contour, as is another undefined object in close proximity. There is a rectilinear form in the background. The edge of the mantle divides the top quarter of the painting with a strong bright white line. It is unclear about what is taking place in the bottom three quarters of the painting. The placement of color and form seems quite deliberate, but it is difficult to decipher what the actual forms may be. There is a large central area of white with ribbons of red paint on either side. A strong diagonal of muddy yellow divides the lower left corner and the color that is held within its boundary is darker with an overall blue green.