Jean Xceron

Interpretation

Fragments No. 252 is emblematic of Xceron’s signature use of geometric forms against subtly shaded neutral backgrounds to explore shape, color, light, and contour. His work demonstrates the profound influence of the Cubist paintings of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque from the early 20th century.

Acquisition details

In 1965 art historian Daniel Robbins became the director of the RISD Museum. Robbins was a scholar of Cubist art, and that same year he also opened a survey of Jean Xceron’s work at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Fragments No. 252 was featured in that exhibition. Xceron donated the painting to the RISD Museum in 1966, suggesting the strong relationship between the artist and curator. Interpersonal dynamics play a critical role in the donation of works to a museum, with artists’ gifts of their works variously reflecting a sense of gratitude to or identification with an institution or support for the individuals who work there.

-Dominic Molon, Richard Brown Baker Curator of Contemporary Art