Artwork Page for Still Life

Details / Information for Still Life

Still Life

Naturaleza muerta

c. 1916

María Blanchard

(Spanish, 1881–1932)
Culture
France, Paris
Medium
oil, sand, and mixed media collage on canvas
Measurements
65.8 x 52.4 cm (25 7/8 x 20 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Partial purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund and partial gift of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Saltzman, by exchange 2026.37
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This work of art, which combines two- and three-dimensional elements, challenges the long-established notion that an artwork should consist of a single medium.

Description

The Spanish artist María Blanchard worked in Paris as a Cubist between 1916 and 1919. In Still Life, she portrayed multiple, simultaneous viewpoints in an abstract style based on geometry and flat planes. Although other Cubists used collage elements in their work, Blanchard was unique in her use of three-dimensional elements to create an image that fluctuates between the concrete and the illusionary. During her lifetime, Blanchard was celebrated by her fellow Cubists, and she shared studios with Juan Gris and Diego Riviera, the latter of whom described her as producing Cubism’s “finest works, apart from our master, Picasso.”
A vertically oriented oil and sand painting depicts a fragmented, geometric still life. Bottom center, a white cup and saucer rest on a red-striped surface. Right, dark rectangular forms resembling open boxes sit atop a bright blue area. A black scalloped shape sits left of a central, green and yellow form rising behind a dotted white panel. The surface shows varied, sandy textures. Signed "M. BLANCHARD" at the bottom center.

Still Life

c. 1916

María Blanchard

(Spanish, 1881–1932)
France, Paris

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork