Harlequin with Guitar 1919

"Harlequin with Guitar" (1919) by Juan Gris is a prime example of Cubist art. Gris, a Spanish artist associated with the movement, simplifies the figure of a harlequin playing the guitar into geometric shapes. The work utilizes flat planes of color, creating a sense of depth through the use of overlapping forms. The artist's use of color, particularly the warm reds, oranges, and yellows, is characteristic of his style. Though the subject is recognizable, the painting demonstrates the Cubist emphasis on abstraction and form over traditional representation.