Dimensions: support: 655 x 508 mm frame: 836 x 691 x 70 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: We’re looking at Juan Gris’s "Pierrot with Book," currently housed at the Tate. I’m struck by the almost unsettling stillness of the figure. What can you tell us about this piece? Curator: Pierrot, traditionally a comedic character, is recast here within a domestic space, surrounded by books. Gris elevates a figure from popular culture into the realm of intellect. How does this shift reflect the changing role of art in society during his time? Editor: That’s interesting, so it’s about elevating a subject through art. Curator: Precisely. Gris isn't just painting a clown; he's engaging with the public perception of art itself, inviting us to consider its cultural value. Editor: I see it now. The context transforms how we view the Pierrot figure. Curator: Indeed. It's a silent commentary on the relationship between art, the artist, and its audience.
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Although this painting is resolutely figurative, it is strongly influenced by Cubism. Pierrot’s upper body is neatly framed within the architectural framework of the window behind him and the depiction of his face combines a frontal and sideways perspective. The greatly exaggerated hands contrast with the impression of daintiness given by Pierrot’s cupid-bow mouth and the soft pastel hues employed by Gris. Gallery label, September 2004
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