The artwork titled “Fruit Dish, Glass and Newspaper” was created by Juan Gris in 1916. It is a still life that employs oil on panel as its medium, with dimensions measuring 56 x 31 cm. Executed during the period of Synthetic Cubism, the piece is part of a private collection. The artwork’s depiction of everyday objects illustrates the innovative approach of this movement, focusing on the fragmented and reassembled forms characteristic of Cubism.
Upon inspecting the artwork, one observes the geometric simplification and reorganization of forms that are emblematic of Cubism. The composition is comprised of interlocking shapes, which creates a sense of depth while simultaneously flattening the space. Noticeably, there is a glass and a newspaper (with visible text reading “LE JOURNAL”) that are integrated into the image through the use of sharp angles and overlapping planes. The color palette is restrained yet rich, relying on earth tones punctuated by the starkness of the newspaper’s typography.
The fruit dish indicated by the title is not immediately discernible but rather suggested through the curvilinear forms that intersect with the other elements within the frame, contributing to the layered complexity of the piece. The play of light and shadow adds to the three-dimensionality of the objects, even as they are abstracted. Through these techniques, Gris challenges the viewer’s perception and invites a closer examination of the relationship between the represented objects and their portrayal.
