The violin, 1916, 116.5 x 73 cm, Kunstmuseum Basel Juan Gris (1887-1927)

Here we observe a still life composition dominated by geometric fragmentation and a restricted palette of ochre, gray, black, and cream. The arrangement centers around a violin, which is not presented in a conventional manner but rather deconstructed into angular planes and facets. Its form appears to be simultaneously front-facing and viewed from an oblique angle, contributing to the overall sense of spatial ambiguity.
A sheet music rests on what seems to be a table or stand, also rendered through fractured shapes. The musical notation itself is simplified, reduced to lines and dots that echo the geometric vocabulary employed throughout the work. A dark, draped cloth hangs adjacent to the violin and music, its folds similarly broken down into angular segments.
The background consists of what appears to be a series of window frames or architectural elements, delineated by vertical lines and planes of varying shades of gray. These structures do not offer depth but rather reinforce the flattened perspective characteristic of the style. The overall effect is one of abstraction; recognizable objects are present, yet their traditional representation has been abandoned in favor of an exploration of form and spatial relationships.
The limited color range contributes to a somber mood, while the fragmentation suggests a disruption or dismantling of reality. One might interpret this as a reflection of the anxieties prevalent during the period of its creation – a time marked by significant social and political upheaval. The violin, traditionally associated with beauty and harmony, is presented in a state of disarray, potentially symbolizing a loss of order or a questioning of established values.
The composition’s deliberate lack of depth and perspective creates a sense of confinement, as if the objects are trapped within a two-dimensional space. This reinforces the feeling that the work is not merely depicting an object but rather investigating its essential components and their relationship to one another within a constructed visual field.