Cello and Piano Recital (Musical Cubist Composition)
Mixed media drawing on paper • Attributed to the circle of the Section d'Or (Puteaux Group), possibly manner of Albert Gleizes or Jean Metzinger
Style & Movement
Cubism (specifically Section d'Or or Orphism influenced)
Medium & Technique
Crayon, charcoal, and pastel on paper. Employs facets, rhythmic lines, and geometric abstraction consistent with Synthetic Cubist techniques.
Creation Period
Circa 1915-1925
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 40 cm (excluding frame); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A fragmented depiction of musicians performing; a cellist is suggested on the left with the sweeping curves of the instrument, and piano keys are visible in the lower center. The composition uses intersecting planes to represent the simultaneity of sound and movement.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Shows signs of age-related oxidation and acidic discoloration of the paper support.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 (depending on authentication)
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000
Provenance History
Unknown; lacks visible signatures or gallery labels in the provided image. Likely acquired from a private collection or local estate.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the early 20th-century fascination with 'synesthesia'—the merging of visual art and music. It reflects the post-1912 shift where Cubists moved toward more decorative, rhythmic, and legible compositions compared to early Analytic Cubism.
Notable Features
Strong dynamic rhythm created by the blue and beige contrasts; interesting use of negative space to define the silhouette of the cellist's head and the piano structure.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper (toning), slight buckling, and minor foxing. The paper edges appear uneven, possibly from historical removal from a sketchbook.
Conservation Recommendations
Remounting with acid-free archival materials (museum board) and replacing the current glass with UV-protective museum glass is recommended to prevent further fading and acidification.