Violin and Guitar

In 1913, the Spanish artist Juan Gris had fully embraced Cubist principles, drawing from his study of Picasso and Braque as well as his own explorations of Cézanne. Gris was never an academic Cubist, however, unlike many who attempted to create rigid rules for Cubism without grasping its complex visual language. Instead, he developed a unique vocabulary rooted in solid scientific training, the realist painting tradition, and a poetic, autonomous approach to composition, resulting in his distinctive style. 

In Violin and Guitar the canvas is divided into vertical sections, each featuring elements painted with total realism that are easily recognizable. The volumetric quality present in his earlier works has nearly vanished, with only a hint remaining in the fragment of glass to the right of the violin and guitar. The fragmentation of space, achieved through a network of horizontal and vertical lines, is now a defining characteristic of his work. This spatial approach highlights Gris's unique analytic method. 

Have a great Friday, everyone!

P.S. If you want to find out more about this still controversial style, we have a perfect online course for you; you will see in a nutshell how Cubism came to be and then how each artist took it in another direction.  :) 

P.P.S. Cubism is one of the most characteristic styles of the 20th century. How well can you recognize others? Test your self and guess the art movements in our quiz!