Turban Squash & Skull

Sanchez Cotan inspired these three still life paintings. The very dark backgrounds give the objects depicted a stained glass luminosity. The almost 'bruised' ripeness of the turban squash and the insensate deer skull are juxtaposed with the vitreous surface of the white bowl in Turban Squash and Skull. On the surface of the bowl is a stylized oriental carp symbolizing (in Japan) courage, dignity, and resignation to fate.