Maisons à Paris (Houses in Paris) (1911)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
"Maisons à Paris" (Houses in Paris), a remarkable oil painting completed in 1911 by the Spanish artist Juan Gris, stands as a vivid example of early analytical Cubism. This artwork marks a distinct period in Gris's career as he delved into a style characterized by its geometric simplicity and a subdued palette, which diverged from the more colorful approach of his counterparts.The painting depicts an abstract arrangement of architectural forms, resembling a cluster of houses. The composition is fragmented and reassembled through sharp, angular planes that defy traditional perspectives, suggesting multiple viewpoints simultaneously. The restrained use of color emphasizes shadows and light, playing with the dimensions and space within the urban landscape.This piece wonderfully encapsulates Gris's ability to transform a familiar scene into a complex, intellectually engaging composition, making it a significant piece in the narrative of Cubism. Each element of the artwork—the cool, almost monochromatic tones, the interlocking shapes, and the interplay of depth—contributes to a sense of harmony within the chaotic.