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Cigar Box

A rustic, folk-inspired box painting by Larry Rivers featuring cigars, a contemplative portrait, and whimsical floral details. A unique blend of still life and naive art.

Larry Rivers (1923-2002): Pioneer of Pop Art blending Abstract Expressionism with everyday themes & historical narratives. Musician, filmmaker, & New York School icon.

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

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Total Price

$ 69

Cigar Box

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

  • Influences: Pop Art
  • Medium: Wood, paint (likely acrylic)
  • Title: Cigar Box
  • Notable elements or techniques:
    • Layered composition
    • Bold outlines
    • Flat color

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the most prominent artistic style evident in Larry Rivers’ ‘Cigar Box’?
Question 2:
The artwork's composition features a layered approach. What is found in the foreground of the box painting?
Question 3:
What does Larry Rivers' biography suggest about his early career before becoming a painter?
Question 4:
What is the overall effect of the contrast between the serious portrait and playful details in 'Cigar Box'?
Question 5:
What is a key characteristic of the lighting in ‘Cigar Box’?

A Whimsical Encounter: Larry Rivers' "Cigar Box"

Step into a world where playful naivety meets contemplative seriousness in Larry Rivers’ captivating “Cigar Box.” This unique artwork transcends the boundaries of traditional portraiture and still life, offering a glimpse into the artist’s distinctive vision. Created in 1967, it's a fascinating example of Pop Art sensibilities emerging from the Abstract Expressionist landscape.

Subject & Style: A Layered Narrative

“Cigar Box” is more than just its name suggests; it’s a meticulously crafted assemblage painting. The artwork utilizes an aged wooden cigar box as its foundation, immediately establishing a rustic and slightly weathered aesthetic. The composition unfolds in layers:

  • Foreground: Rows of dark grey cigars are neatly arranged, hinting at indulgence or leisure.
  • Centerpiece: A stylized portrait dominates the scene – a man with a prominent mustache and an intensely serious expression. This figure is rendered with simplified forms and bold outlines characteristic of naive art or folk painting.
  • Background: A vibrant backdrop bursts forth with pink roses, contrasting black flowers, and fluttering butterflies, injecting a sense of whimsy and decorative charm.

Rivers’ style eschews realistic detail in favor of simplified shapes – primarily rectangles and squares interwoven with organic forms like the floral motifs. The overall effect is both charmingly childlike and subtly unsettling due to the juxtaposition of the man's solemnity against the playful surroundings.

Technique & Historical Context: Bridging Abstraction and Pop

Rivers’ technique relies heavily on brushwork, emphasizing outlining and flat color application. The visible brushstrokes and wood grain contribute to a rough texture that enhances the artwork's tactile quality. The lighting is deliberately flat, creating an even illumination across the entire composition.

Historically, “Cigar Box” sits within a pivotal moment in American art. Larry Rivers (1923-2002) is often considered a pioneer of Pop Art, bridging the gap between Abstract Expressionism and the emerging movement that embraced popular culture imagery. While contemporaries like Andy Warhol focused on mass-produced objects, Rivers incorporated personal narratives and historical references into his work, imbuing it with a unique depth. This piece exemplifies this approach – taking an everyday object (a cigar box) and transforming it into a canvas for a layered exploration of portraiture, still life, and decorative elements.

Symbolism & Emotional Impact: Contemplation and Contrast

The symbolism within “Cigar Box” is open to interpretation. The cigars themselves can be seen as representing indulgence, relaxation, or even a bygone era of masculine leisure. However, it's the man’s serious expression that truly anchors the artwork’s emotional impact. His gaze suggests contemplation, authority, or perhaps a quiet introspection.

The contrast between his solemnity and the surrounding playful details—the vibrant flowers, the whimsical butterflies—creates a compelling tension. This juxtaposition evokes a sense of whimsy tinged with an underlying unease, prompting viewers to consider the complexities of human emotion and experience. “Cigar Box” is not merely a decorative piece; it’s an invitation to engage in thoughtful reflection.

Questions & Answers

How old was Larry Rivers when creating "Cigar Box" in 1967?

When "Cigar Box" was created in 1967, Larry Rivers - born in 1923 - was 44 years old.

Who created "Cigar Box" and in what year?

The author of "Cigar Box" is Larry Rivers, and the work is dated 1967.

Are the colors of "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers saturated or muted?

The colors of "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers have a subtle color saturation. Saturation describes how vivid or muted the colors are.

Is there a guide for "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers?

The guide to "Cigar Box" is the artwork's Guide page - a printable factsheet showing the artwork with its caption, credit line and identity table (artist, dates, medium, original size, collection).

What subjects appear in "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers?

"Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers depicts: portrait, cigar box, floral, rustic, naive art, whimsical, man, indulgence.

Is "Cigar Box" typical of what Larry Rivers usually created?

"Cigar Box" depicts portrait, cigar box, floral, rustic, naive art, whimsical, man, indulgence, while Larry Rivers's recorded themes are naive art/folk painting style, pop art elements & abstraction, combines portraiture & still life, leisure, indulgence, contemplation, juxtaposition of serious and playful, reflects post-war american culture. Comparing the two shows how the work relates to the artist's usual subjects.

Is Larry Rivers, creator of "Cigar Box", known under other names?

Other names recorded for Larry Rivers, creator of "Cigar Box", include Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg.

Can I see "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers on my own wall before buying?

The AR Preview page of "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers uses augmented reality to show the artwork in your own space, on a compatible device.


Artist Biography

Larry Rivers: A Life in Art, Music, and Film

  • Born: August 17, 1923, The Bronx, United States of America
  • Died: August 14, 2002

Larry Rivers (born Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg) was a multifaceted American artist whose career spanned painting, music, filmmaking, and acting. He is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in the development of Pop Art, bridging the gap between Abstract Expressionism and the burgeoning movement that embraced popular culture imagery. His unique blend of artistic disciplines and his distinctive personality cemented his place as a significant contributor to 20th-century art.

Early Life and Musical Pursuits

  • Early Years: Born into a Jewish immigrant family from Ukraine, Rivers’ early life was shaped by the vibrant cultural landscape of the Bronx.
  • Musical Beginnings: From 1940 to 1945, Rivers pursued a career as a jazz saxophonist in New York City. It was during this time that he adopted the name "Larry Rivers," famously introduced as “Larry Rivers and the Mudcats” at a local pub.
  • Juilliard Studies: He briefly attended the Juilliard School of Music (1945-46), studying alongside Miles Davis, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship. This musical foundation deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities, imbuing his work with rhythm and improvisation.

Artistic Development and Pop Art Pioneer

  • Transition to Painting: In 1945, inspired by Georges Braque, Rivers began exploring painting. He studied at the Hans Hofmann School (1947-48), a crucial period in his artistic development.
  • New York School and Pop Art Origins: Rivers became associated with the New York School of painters, but he uniquely blended abstract expressionist techniques with elements of popular culture. Many scholars consider him a key progenitor of Pop Art due to this innovative merging of styles. He was among eleven artists featured in the Terrain Gallery's opening exhibition in 1955.
  • Signature Style: Rivers’ work often incorporated historical narratives, everyday objects, and self-referential elements, creating a distinctive visual language that challenged traditional artistic boundaries. Notable works include "Washington Crossing the Delaware" (1953), which became iconic and sparked considerable discussion about art and representation.

Major Works and Collaborations

  • “Washington Crossing the Delaware” (1953): This large-scale painting, acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, is considered a landmark work that established Rivers’ reputation.
  • Hotel Chelsea Years: During the early 1960s, Rivers resided at the Hotel Chelsea, a hub for artistic and literary figures. He interacted with and collaborated with numerous artists including Yves Klein, Arman, Martial Raysse, Jean Tinguely, Niki de Saint-Phalle, Christo, Daniel Spoerri, and others, contributing to the vibrant creative atmosphere of the time.
  • Film and Documentary Work: Rivers ventured into filmmaking, collaborating with Pierre Dominique Gaisseau on the documentary "Africa and I" (1967). This project involved a perilous journey through Africa, narrowly escaping execution as suspected mercenaries. He also worked on video projects with Diana Molinari and Michel Auder.
  • Notable Collaborations: Rivers maintained close relationships with poets Frank O'Hara and Kenneth Koch, resulting in collaborative works that intertwined poetry and visual art.

Legacy and Historical Significance

  • Influence on Pop Art: Larry Rivers’ pioneering work significantly influenced the development of Pop Art, paving the way for artists like Andy Warhol. His ability to blend abstraction with narrative and popular imagery was groundbreaking.
  • Retrospective Exhibitions: A major retrospective of his work was held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in 2002, solidifying his place in art history.
  • Archival Preservation: New York University acquired correspondences and documents from the Larry Rivers Foundation to preserve his legacy for future generations.
  • Controversies & Family Matters: A posthumous controversy arose regarding a film depicting his daughters as children, leading to its permanent removal from public display at NYU due to privacy concerns.
Larry Rivers

Larry Rivers

1923 - 2002 , United States of America

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Larry Rivers
  • Nationality: American
  • Date Of Birth: 1923
  • Date Of Death: 2002
  • Place Of Birth: The Bronx, United States of America
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Untitled (1958)
    • Dutch Masters and Cigars III
    • Cigar Box
    • Kings
    • Untitled (773)
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Georges Braque
    • Willem de Kooning
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Andy Warhol']
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