Extremely detailed and brilliantly colored, Braque (Argenteuil-sur-Seine, 1882- Paris, 1963) creates this still life full of vigor and warmth. Adding a unique, organic quality to the composition by integrating varying shades and hues of earthly tones, this Still Life with Pipe remains one of Braques finer prints.
The nature of the pipe has had an extensive history dating back to 500 B.C.E. Having been part of several cultures throughout the world, the pipe has achieved a refined symbol of both the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Americas, more commonly used by men within a social setting. Here, Braque has situated the pipe amidst an array of scattered paperwork and seemingly organized clutter, over a background of muted browns, greys, and marigolds. Subtle tones and highlights of whites and sky blues centralize the viewer's focus to the center of the composition and also allow the light to cast shadows within itself, making way for depth and richness of color.
Created in 1959, this work is hand-signed by George Braque (Argenteuil-sur-Seine, 1882- Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right margin and signed in the plate in black in the lower right. Numbered from the edition of 100 in pencil in the lower left margin, this piece features a small inscription in the lower left of the plate, '© 1959 by ECG Paris.' .
