Natura morta con la squadra - Carlo Carrà

A 1917 Metaphysical still life by Carlo Carrà, featuring a geometric arrangement of domestic objects in a muted, contemplative palette.

Carlo Carrà painted this work in 1917, a period during which he moved away from the dynamism of Futurism toward the stillness of Metaphysical Art. The composition features a collection of objects, including a bottle, a pitcher, a set square, and a bowl, arranged within a confined, box-like space. The objects appear isolated from their usual domestic context, placed instead in a setting that feels suspended in time. The artist employs a muted palette of ochre, grey, and brown, which contributes to the quiet, almost solemn atmosphere of the piece. The set square, a geometric tool, introduces a sharp, angular element that contrasts with the rounded forms of the pitcher and the bowl. Carrà uses light and shadow to define the volume of these items, yet the perspective remains intentionally ambiguous. The lack of a clear light source or a defined horizon line forces the viewer to focus on the physical presence of the objects themselves. This painting reflects the artist's interest in the mysterious quality of everyday items when they are removed from their functional roles. By stripping away narrative detail, Carrà invites an examination of form, space, and the relationship between disparate shapes. The work is a representative example of the Italian Metaphysical style, which sought to capture the hidden reality behind the visible world. The deliberate, static arrangement suggests a sense of order, yet the unconventional spatial relationships create a feeling of unease. It is a study in balance and geometric precision, executed with a restrained technique that avoids unnecessary ornamentation.