The artwork “Guitar on a Chair,” created in 1913 by artist Juan Gris, exemplifies the Synthetic Cubism movement. It is executed using oil on canvas and measures 100 by 65 centimeters. As a still life, this piece presents a complex arrangement that is characteristic of Cubist concerns with form and perspective, and it is held in a private collection.
In the artwork, one can observe the fragmented and reassembled presentation of recognizable objects, a hallmark of Synthetic Cubism, which aimed to synthesize forms on the canvas. The guitar, which is the central element of the composition, is depicted through geometric shapes and planes that intersect and overlap, creating a sense of depth and multidimensionality. The palette is relatively muted, featuring earthy tones and subtle shifts in color that serve to highlight the interplay of light and form. The chair, upon which the guitar presumably rests, is likewise rendered through a series of geometric shapes, contributing to the distinctly non-representational yet suggestive composition. The background of the still life incorporates similar cubist techniques, with intersecting planes and facets that complement the central subject matter. The overall effect is one of harmonized dislocation, a deliberate defiance of traditional perspective that encourages the viewer to engage with the artwork from multiple visual angles.
