The Red Table
The painter Matisse's painting The Red Table was born at the beginning of 20th century where Paris faithfully reproduced the realistic realism atmosphere. Then, perspective and chiaroscuro representation tried to reproduce the realistic art in the plane. But through the trial of a variety of creation methods represented by impressionism in the late 19th century, the conclusion was drawn: it was impossible to completely reproduce the reality. The painter Matisse once again put forward the ideas concerning painting and thought what he should show and how to behave. Therefore, the colors he used were no longer faithfully to depict the realistic colors, but to choose the colors according to the painter's unique insights and the overall painting requirements. Oil painting The Red Table showed Matisses's lifelong pursuit, which was an important work representing his unique artistic style.
This was a piece of eye-catching bright red famous painting. Then, a blue painting was hung in the restaurant of Shi Shujin. However, after Matisse delivered this work to the client, he had been wresting and always felt not satisfied. Then he wrote to Shi Shujin in Russia and requested to recreate this painting. Matisse wanted to seek an intense and appealing color. He said eagerly to Shi Shujin that the recreated work would have more harmonious colors. Shi Shujin who had been satisfied with the original work had to agree to this request based on his trust for Matisse. From green to blue, and then boldly painted the color which was completely contrary to the blue—red, The Red Table was finally born. Shi Shujin saw the painting becoming more colorful and more vivid and thought it was more brilliant and more harmonious than the old one. He liked it very much and was admired by Matisse's pursuit for color and the marvelous talents.
