The artwork “Saint Matorel” by Juan Gris was created in 1913. It is a still life executed using oil on canvas and is a product of the Synthetic Cubism movement. As of the provided information, this artwork belongs to a private collection.
The artwork exhibits typical aspects of Synthetic Cubism, an art movement characterized by the assembly of distinct parts and surfaces to create a composition. In “Saint Matorel,” Gris employs fragmented geometric forms and integrates text and patterns, which seem to float against a muted backdrop that suggests depth. The piece uses a limited color palette dominated by purples, blues, yellows, and browns, creating a harmonious and balanced effect despite the abstract nature of the composition. The inclusion of text, such as fragments that read “Saint Matorel,” injects a narrative element, hinting at subject matter beyond the mere arrangement of shapes and colors. This approach demonstrates Gris’s interest in merging painting with elements of collage, which is a hallmark of Synthetic Cubism. The viewer may perceive the contours of objects that resemble familiar items, yet their identities are obscured, inviting reflection on the relationship between reality and its artistic representation.
