Bokor Károly (1887-1997) - Still life with carpet

Bokor Károly (1887-1997)

A compact, decorative still life centered on an abundant basket of lilacs, arranged in a low horizontal spread that stabilizes the composition while allowing subtle asymmetry. The cool whites, violets, and blues of the blossoms are set against a saturated red textile and dark ground, creating a strong chromatic contrast that brings the flowers forward and compresses space.

The handling is painterly and controlled: clustered, broken brushwork articulates the soft density of the lilacs, while broader strokes define the woven basket and patterned carpet, introducing textural and ornamental counterpoints. Diffuse frontal light minimizes chiaroscuro, so form is constructed primarily through color modulation rather than tonal modeling.

Overall, the work emphasizes surface, color harmony, and decorative balance over strict naturalism, aligning it with a late 19th–early 20th century decorative realist sensibility suitable for auction presentation.