In this exquisite still life, Braque replaces the cubist formality of his early compositions with an organic quality that would come to characterize his later works. Aptly titled Théière et Raisin (Teapot and Grape, this work minimizes the subjects of this still life to two objects and focuses intently on bringing to light the simple beauty of often unnoticed subjects. He utilizes an earthy color palette of greens, greys, blacks, browns, and yellows, but uses color contrast to his advantage, as exemplified by the green grapes against the black plate that instantly pop out at the viewer.
Braque provides a distinct foreground and background, including the table upon which the fruit rests as part of the overall composition, and offers the viewer a raised vantage point, as though the viewer is gazing down at the teapot and grape. The surface of the table is intriguing as it suggests a painterly quality and is streaked with an array of colors in varied hues, providing a further contrast to the solid coloring and graceful lines used to convey the teapot and grape.
This original color etching and aquatint is hand signed by Georges Braque (Argenteuil, Val-d'Oise, 1882-Paris, 1963) on the lower right margin and numbered 9/200 on the lower left margin. The edition was published by Maeght in Paris and is catalogued as Maeght 1022. This piece was printed through a collaboration between Braque and Lacouriere, Paris, on Arches paper with a full watermark.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This work is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts.
1. Vallier, Dora. Braque The Complete Graphics. New York: Gallery Books, 1982. Listed on page 294 as plate 1022.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity by the gallery will accompany this work.
This piece is in excellent condition, with textural ink and colors.
About the Framing:
This work is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards are respected.
