Still Life with Book by Juan Gris

This cubist collage of rare poetic richness demonstrates the constant inventiveness of Juan Gris in associating painting and literature. In this vibrant work titled “Still Life with Book”, the artist pays a vibrant tribute to his contemporaries through the evocation of outstanding literary works. This rhythmic composition is built around simulated wood textures and colored press clippings. It wonderfully illustrates the intellectual complicity uniting painters and poets of his time.

On the left stands out a book or leaflet of a brilliant yellow color bearing the black handwritten inscription “SAINT MATORE”. Next to it, a grey container or bottle displays the partial letters “PAR”, while a dark brown wood-grained plane displays the name of “MAX JACOB” in block capital letters. An elegant canary yellow pipe with a blackened bowl is drawn with simplicity on the right of the composition. The entire scene rests on a dynamic structure composed of purple and cobalt blue bands framing the foreground. The raking light emphasizes the faux wood grain and brings out the brilliance of the primary yellows.

The remarkable craftsmanship of the artist shines in his ability to perfectly imitate wood grain using oil paint. Through play of cast shadows and bright chromatic contrasts, he gives a striking relief and a tangible presence to the various simulated papers. This technical virtuosity confirms his genius in cubist painting.