Juan GrisCoffee Mill 1924

This drawing shows the extraordinary delicacy that Gris could bring to the transformation of the familiar in his late works. Line and soft shading are held effortlessly in balance, conveying form though managing to keep it open. The foot of the bowl and the spoon’s handle share their outline, just as the shoulder of the jug and the side of the coffee mill conjoin. This lends a surprising dynamism and softness to the everyday objects of domestic life.