The artwork titled “Portrait Daniel Henry Kahnweiler” was created by Juan Gris in 1921, epitomizing the Cubist movement. This sketch and study measures 32.5 x 26 cm and currently resides within the collection of the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a stylized representation of Daniel Henry Kahnweiler, characterized by distinctive delineated contours and a minimalistic approach to detail, which is emblematic of Cubist portraiture. An assemblage of geometric planes and facets reflect the fragmentation typical of Cubism, though the work retains a clear discernment of the sitter’s likeness. The simplified line work and monochromatic execution suggest the influence of schematic drawing, prioritizing form and structure over the color and textural complexity. Gris’ work exhibits a restrained and analytical interpretation, shedding light on the fundamental aspects of his subject’s features and capturing the very essence of his persona through the Cubist lens.