The artwork titled “Woman with a Mandolin (after Corot)” is a captivating piece by the artist Juan Gris, created in 1916. This oil on board painting is an embodiment of the Cubist movement, wherein the artist deconstructs and reassembles objects in an abstracted form. It takes the form of a portrait and currently resides in the Kunstmuseum Basel, located in Basel, Switzerland.
Juan Gris’ “Woman with a Mandolin (after Corot)” is marked by the use of geometric shapes and fragmented space, typical of the Cubist style, to depict the subject of the portrait. The woman, presumably playing the mandolin, is presented with a unique blend of interlocking planes and angles, offering multiple perspectives simultaneously. The subdued and earthy color palette echoes the somber tones often found in Cubism, while the juxtaposition of light and dark hues enhances the three-dimensional effect. These elements come together to challenge traditional perceptions of form and space, highlighting Gris’ innovative contribution to early 20th-century modern art.
