Henri Matisse thought that a painting should be arranged expressively, like a bouquet of flowers, and the assembly carefully brought together here illustrates this idea. Natural objects are juxtaposed with textiles, wallpapers, and other decorative objects. The bouquet of anemones in the vase rhymes with both the floral motif of the folding screen and the design on the teacup and saucer. The brightness of lemons and plums contrasts with the more tender harmony of the green vase, the pink tablecloth, and the candied pineapple cushioned by wood shavings in its straw box. All in gray tints, the two pictures on the rear wall could be drawings, prints, or reproductions from a book or magazine.
