Description:Depicting a still life with an arrangement of symbolic elements, this work is full of deep contrast and rich colors. Volumetric in quality, this work expresses the artist's skill in depicting everyday objects in a realistic manner.
Published by Maeght, archive number 1010, this work was created based on an original painting created by Braque in 1939. Printed on a heavy wove paper with a varnished finish, this work is signed by the artist in pencil in the lower right and numbered 14/70 in the lower left and is additionally signed and dated in the plate "G Braque 39' in the lower left. The publishers blindstamp appears in the lower left hand side of the page.
Portraying a realistic study of items on a table, Braque exhibits his skill in representing form in a much different manner than his earlier cubist works. Symbolic imagery of the skull, cross and string of pearls lead the viewer to ponder the importance of these elements placement together. With a strong highlight on the front of the skull, the deep shadows surrounding the objects give off a sense of volume and distance. Rich and warm tones of green, ochre, and brown, contrast with the whites and blacks in this work. The painterly quality and detailed texture make the objects appear to extend off the page, appearing as though the skull, cross ad pearls are within our grasp.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, NY
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :
1) Vallier, Dora, Braque The Complete Graphics, listed as Maeght no. 1010 on page 293.
2) In the Maeght archives as No. 1010.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, this work is set in a fine quality hand carved frame with closed and hand carved corners. The gold tone of the frame accentuates the ochre hues in this work and compliments the contrast in this work. Completed with white linen wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.
