Juan Gris, a pioneering artist from Spain, was one of the most celebrated exponents of cubism in the modern period. Despite a relatively short career, Gris produced numerous works that are highly appreciated by art enthusiasts today. Born and trained in Madrid, Gris made the bold decision to move to Paris, the art capital of Europe, where his career truly flourished. Initially, he submitted his work to magazines, successfully getting them published and earning a living. However, Gris later decided to take his painting seriously and began exhibiting his works in leading galleries. Notably, he was also one of the most commercially successful painters of his generation, thanks in part to his association with renowned art dealer Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler. The astronomical sums his paintings have fetched at auctions highlight the enduring appeal of his craft.
Quick Facts
- Spanish Celebrities Born In March
- Also Known As: José Victoriano González-Pérez
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Josette Gris, children: Georges Gris
- Cubist Painters
- Spanish Men
- Died on: May 11, 1927
- Place of death: Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Cause of Death: Kidney Failure
- City: Madrid, Spain
Childhood & Early Life
Juan Gris, born on 23 March 1887 in Madrid, Spain, was the second youngest among fourteen children in the Gonzalez family. His father, Gregorio Gonzalez, was a successful paper manufacturer. From a young age, Gris showed a special interest in painting and attended local art schools to learn more about the craft. He also attended well-known schools in Madrid.
Career
In 1902, Gris enrolled in Escuela de Artes y Manufacturas in Madrid and studied mechanical drawing until 1904. During this time, he created humorous sketches that were published in various Madrid publications. He then studied painting under the guidance of artist Jose Moreno Carbonero from 1904 to 1905. In 1905, he adopted the name Juan Gris.
In 1906, Gris moved to Paris to avoid military service and became acquainted with artists like Henri Matisse, Fernand Leger, and Pablo Picasso. He sent his paintings to publications in Paris for publication and focused on painting in his personal capacity starting in 1910. Gris developed his ideas in cubism and exhibited his work at Salon des Independants in 1912. He signed an exclusive contract with art dealer Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler and further developed his style, incorporating geometrical theories and shapes.
Gris also ventured into design in 1924, creating ballet sets and costumes for Sergei Diaghilev. He delivered a lecture at the Sorbonne titled “Des possibilites de la peinture” and continued to exhibit his paintings in Europe. Some of his famous works during this period include “The Red Book,” “The Checked Tablecloth,” and “Woman With a Basket.”
Major Works
Juan Gris revolutionized the world of cubist art and produced numerous paintings that are still highly appreciated today. One of his notable works, “Nature Morte a la Nappe a Carreaux” or “The Checked Table Cloth,” was sold for $56.8 million at an auction in 2014.
Personal Life & Legacy
Juan Gris was married to Josette and they had a son named Georges. He suffered from illnesses such as uremia, asthma, and cardiac problems. On 11 May 1927, Gris passed away in Boulogne-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, due to kidney failure.