His objects are defined by outlines of blue. Small areas of white are apparent where the canvas is left untouched. Rendered with volume, the wineglass and jug, as well as the other objects on the table, appear as if we could handle them. The woman, full of life, could be awakened at any moment. Through the open door, we enter the back room, only to find emptiness.
Dark tones create a somber or contemplative mood.
Matisse's Harmony in Red , is flat and tapestry like, and does not convey a sense of reality. The objects grouped on the table appear flat, almost as part of the design on the linen itself. Painted in red, the warm background is pushed to the foreground, further flattening the picture space. The cool blue-green hues of the window, or painting in the left corner, recedes gently, further enhanced by the frame or sill that surrounds it. Vivid colors and lively brush strokes establish a light and expressive mood.