Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler

Pablo Picasso

Created:
Movement:
autumn 1910
Cubism
key Notes:
Analytical Cubism, Fragmented Portrait
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Dimensions:
100.4 × 72.4 cm (39 9/16 × 28 9/16 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler" is a portrait painted by Pablo Picasso in 1910. The work depicts the influential art dealer Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, who played a significant role in promoting Picasso and other modern artists. This painting is a prime example of Picasso's analytical phase of Cubism, characterized by fragmented forms and a muted color palette. Kahnweiler is portrayed in a stylized manner, with geometric shapes and interlocking planes that challenge traditional representation. The composition reflects the artist's exploration of perspective and form, emphasizing the relationship between the subject and the surrounding space. The painting is notable for its innovative approach to portraiture, moving away from realistic depiction towards abstraction. It is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Description of the work:

"Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler" by Pablo Picasso is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's analytical approach to Cubism. The composition features a fragmented representation of Kahnweiler, a prominent art dealer and supporter of Picasso. The figure is constructed through geometric shapes and interlocking planes, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality. The color palette is dominated by muted earth tones, including browns, greens, and grays, which contribute to the overall somber mood of the work. Kahnweiler's face is rendered with angular features, emphasizing the abstraction characteristic of Picasso's style during this period. The background is composed of overlapping shapes that further enhance the sense of spatial complexity. The painting reflects the artist's innovative exploration of form and perspective, capturing the essence of Kahnweiler's identity through a Cubist lens.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler