Juan Gris

Coffee Mill

1924

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Not on display

Artist: Juan Gris 1887–1927
Original title: Moulin à café
Medium: Graphite on paper
Dimensions: Support: 268 × 347 mm
frame: 497 × 578 × 25 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Bequeathed by Elly Kahnweiler 1991 to form part of the gift of Gustav and Elly Kahnweiler, accessioned 1994
Reference: T06816

Display caption

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.

Gallery label, March 2008

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