“Still Life with Newspaper” is an artwork by Juan Gris, completed in the year 1916. This piece is a reflection of the Cubist art movement and measures 44 x 31 cm. Initially created as a sketch and study, the artwork is part of a private collection. Its cubist style is characterized by the use of geometric shapes and interlocking planes to represent various angles of the still life.
The artwork displays a fragmented composition typical of Cubism, where objects are broken up, analyzed, and reassembled in an abstracted form. Gris’ work often focused on the complex interplay between shapes and colors to capture the essence of his subjects. In this piece, items that one might find on a tabletop, such as a newspaper, glass, fruits, and other objects, are depicted using a muted but harmonious color palette. The geometric shapes suggest a certain three-dimensionality while simultaneously flattening the space, as is common in Cubist works. Shadows and highlights are used strategically to offer depth and to lead the viewer’s eye through the composition. The presence of text – elements of the newspaper – serves both as a visual component and a hint at the material world beyond the canvas. Through this intricate composition, Gris challenges traditional perceptions of space and form, inviting viewers to reconsider the nature of reality and representation in art.
