The artwork titled “The Guitar” by Juan Gris dates from 1913 and is an oil on canvas creation. Exemplifying the Synthetic Cubism art movement, the piece stands as a still life with dimensions of 65 x 46 cm. Currently, it resides in a private collection.
In this composition, the artwork exemplifies Synthetic Cubism through the use of fragmented forms and the interplay of color and shape to reconstitute the subject in a new context. The guitar, which is the focal point of the piece, is depicted through geometric shapes and planes that intersect and overlay. The harmonious palette includes dominant greens, blues, and earth tones that are juxtaposed with the texture and marble-like patterns observed in select areas of the artwork, adding a visual complexity that stimulates the observer’s perception. The background features segmented and interlocking spaces that contribute to the flattened, yet dimensional quality inherent to Cubism. Overall, “The Guitar” by Juan Gris is a quintessential example of the innovation and analytical approach to form and space that characterizes the Cubist movement.