Cherries 1915

This still life of cherries was made by Juan Gris at some point, but when? That's part of its mystery, isn't it? You can see he's really playing with how we see, cutting up space and putting it back together in a way that feels both familiar and totally new. Look at the surface – it's built up, piece by piece, with areas of flat color bumping up against textures that are almost sculptural. Those cherries, for instance, are practically popping off the canvas. Then there are these little details, like the polka dots, that suggest a fabric or wallpaper, and then the brand name on what looks like a packet of cigarettes. It's like Gris is giving us clues, inviting us to piece together the puzzle. I’m reminded of Picasso and Braque. They all kept painting, and repainting still lives, pushing the boundaries of what painting could be. None of them wanted to make a perfect picture, but to show something about perception. What do you think?