Gris is a Spanish sculptor and cubist painter. He was largely influenced by Picasso and Braque’s cubism movement and work that he followed in the footsteps. In doing so he made a very good impression and a very good reputation, so much so, that he was one of Gertrude Steins favorite artists.
He is the only artist talented enough to have made Picasso uncomfortable. Although he was so inspired by his work, that’s all he was - inspired. He didn’t copy, as many artists had done, in fact he steered the movement into different directions and that is what made his work so different from everyone else’s and his own. His work is very easily distinguished from the inventors of cubism, and it is informed by his backgrounds as an illustrator. It’s with a stick, almost commercial appearance.
The way Picasso and Braque were destroying the conventions of a painting, Gris’ only aim was for it to be visually attractive. ‘I prefer the emotion that connects the rule’ - words by Gris.
One of his most famous paintings is ‘Portrait of Picasso’ (1912). He idolized Picasso that much that he honored him by painting a portrait of Picasso himself in the painting style he had created himself - Cubism.