The Dice by Juan Gris

This remarkable composition by Juan Gris bears witness to his intellectual approach to still life. Through a play of geometric overlapping, the artist explores the relation between the object and its drawn double. This work entitled “The Dice” perfectly illustrates the transition towards a calm and poetic synthetic cubism. This creation asserts itself as a beautiful lesson in construction and plastic harmony.

In the foreground, a white playing die with black dots brings a playful and geometric touch. Next to it rest a stylized gray glass and a folded newspaper sheet marked “LE”. In the center, a beige vertical structure simulates a wood panel adorned with a refined decorative pattern. The top of the scene features an oval dish containing a green apple drawn with a fine line. The background juxtaposes oblique planes of neutral gray, light beige and raw umber. The sober palette favors earthy tones contrasting with the bright white of the die. The light, soft and uniform, caresses the surfaces without creating aggressive cast shadows.

The artisanal skill is expressed in the meticulous treatment of false wood and ornamental patterns. Through a masterly use of oil paint, the artist recreates textures of unprecedented delicacy. This exceptional technical mastery highlights the poetic sensitivity and rigor of his creation.