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Unidentified abstract portrait20th Century
20th Century
$7,531.66
£5,500
€6,447.07
CA$10,371.70
A$11,289.34
CHF 5,981.82
MX$135,771.35
NOK 76,057.26
SEK 69,698.06
DKK 48,159.21
About the Item
Circle of Juan Gris 1887 - 1927, Jose Victoriano Gonzalez-Perez, was a Spanish born cubist painter who predominantly lived and worked in France during the most formative years of the cubist movement. Initially he worked as a satirical cartoonist however he was influenced by the artists such as Picasso, Braque, Metzinger , Leger and Matisse he therefore developed his own individual style of cubism. Gris understood the importance of mathematics in cubism and his works were exhibited in France, Spain and Germany , the geometric manner of this portrait where the identity of the painter is still unknown at this stage is typical of the style of Gris. This painting bears a partial unidentified signature to the lower center of the work and our researchers are unable to decipher the artist's name. However if any further information comes to light we shall display it here. Also Juan Gris has a large folio of information about his painting history on the internet and it would be an injustice to his ability for me to attempt to further a biography here. However I have included a scholarly biography which maybe of interest.
Juan Gris (born José Victoriano González-Pérez, 1887–1927) was a Spanish painter and a pivotal figure in the development of Cubism. Often referred to as the "Third Musketeer" of the movement alongside Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Gris is noted for a highly intellectual and systematic approach that brought a unique sense of order and vibrant color to the Cubist aesthetic.
Early Life and Artistic Education
Born in Madrid, Gris initially studied mechanical drawing, mathematics, and physics at the Escuela de Artes y Manufacturas (1902–1904). This early technical training is frequently cited by scholars as the foundation for the geometric precision and architectural structure of his later work. In 1906, he moved to Paris, where he settled in the famous Bateau-Lavoir studio complex and became a close associate of Picasso and the writer Gertrude Stein.
Stylistic Evolution and Contributions
Gris began painting seriously around 1910 and quickly transitioned through several significant phases:
Analytical Cubism (c. 1911–1912): His early works, such as the Portrait of Pablo Picasso (1912), adopted the fragmented, multi-perspective approach of his peers but were distinguished by a "metallic sheen" and more rigid, diagonal geometric frameworks.
Synthetic Cubism (1913–1920): Gris became a "steadfast interpreter" of the synthetic phase, masterfully integrating papier collé (collage). Unlike the monochromatic palettes of Picasso and Braque, Gris utilized rich, harmonious color schemes influenced by his friendship with Henri Matisse.
Crystal Cubism and "Return to Order" (1916–1920): During the war years, his style evolved into "Crystal Cubism," characterized by tight, overlapping planes and a heightened sense of architectural clarity. This period influenced the Purist movement and the broader European "return to order".
Late Period (1921–1927): In his final years, his work became increasingly lyrical and free, though he remained committed to the Cubist framework until his death.
Theoretical Legacy
Gris was the most theoretical of the major Cubists. He famously described his process as "deductive," stating, "I start with an abstraction in order to arrive at a true fact". In 1924, he delivered a definitive lecture, Des possibilités de la peinture, at the Sorbonne, formalizing his aesthetic philosophy.
Death and Recognition
Despite chronic health struggles, Gris remained prolific until his premature death from renal failure at age 40 in 1927. Today, he is celebrated for bridging the gap between abstract analysis and sensory pleasure, with his works held in premier institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Modern, and the Museo Reina Sofía.
- Creation Year:20th Century
- Dimensions:Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Medium:
- Circle Of:Juan Gris (1887 - 1927, Spanish)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Douglas, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: No. 4241stDibs: LU2373216710362
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