"Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone": A Window into the Enigmatic Art World of Gertrude and Leo Stein

In the realm of modern art, few friendships have been as influential and enigmatic as that of Gertrude Stein and Leo Stein. As brother and sister, they played a pivotal role in shaping the early 20th-century art scene in Paris, becoming both ardent collectors and fervent supporters of emerging artists. Among their most notable friendships was with the Cone sisters, Etta and Claribel, two wealthy American heiresses who shared their passion for modern art. Gertrude Stein's 1907-1908 portrait of the Cone sisters, aptly titled "Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone," captures a moment of intimacy between the two women and offers a glimpse into the complex and fascinating relationship between the Steins and the Cone sisters.

The Art of Acquiring: A Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone

by Mary Gabriel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2591 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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The Cone Sisters: The Heiresses with a Passion for Art

Etta and Claribel Cone were born into a wealthy Baltimore family in 1870 and 1864, respectively. They inherited a substantial fortune from their father, Moses H. Cone, a successful textile manufacturer. Unlike many women of their time, the Cone sisters were highly educated and traveled extensively throughout Europe, where they developed a keen interest in art.

Their passion for art led them to Paris, where they became acquainted with Gertrude and Leo Stein in 1903. The Steins were instantly captivated by the Cone sisters' intelligence and enthusiasm for modern art. They introduced the sisters to a circle of avant-garde artists, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque, whose works they enthusiastically collected.

Gertrude Stein's "Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone"

Description

Gertrude Stein's "Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone" depicts the two sisters seated side by side in their Parisian apartment at 27 rue de Fleurus. The painting is a symphony of muted colors, with soft grays and browns dominating the canvas. The sisters are dressed in elegant gowns, their faces expressionless and their gazes averted from the viewer.

The painting's composition is carefully balanced, with the sisters arranged in a symmetrical manner. Their bodies are slightly turned, creating a sense of movement and dynamism. The two figures are framed by a window, which provides a glimpse of the Parisian cityscape behind them.

Symbolism

The portrait is rich in symbolism, reflecting Stein's unconventional approach to painting. The lack of facial expressions and averted gazes suggest a sense of detachment and mystery. The muted colors and geometric forms evoke a feeling of austerity and abstraction.

The window in the background can be interpreted as a metaphor for the Cone sisters' connection to the outside world. Through their patronage of modern art, they played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Europe and America, introducing European avant-garde artists to an American audience.

The Steins and the Cone Sisters: A Complex Relationship

The relationship between Gertrude and Leo Stein and Etta and Claribel Cone was complex and multifaceted. They shared a deep passion for art, but they also had their differences. Gertrude Stein was often critical of the Cone sisters' taste in art, believing they were too conservative in their choices. The Cone sisters, on the other hand, were known for their shrewd business sense and their ability to acquire significant works of art at relatively low prices.

Despite their differences, the two groups remained close friends for many years. They often visited each other's homes, attended art exhibitions together, and engaged in lively discussions about art and literature.

The Legacy of "Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone"

Today, Gertrude Stein's "Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone" is considered one of the most important works of early modernism. It is a testament to the friendship between the Steins and the Cone sisters, and it offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant art scene of early 20th-century Paris.

The painting is currently housed in the Baltimore Museum of Art, where it remains a popular attraction for visitors. It continues to inspire and provoke viewers with its enigmatic imagery and its depiction of two extraordinary women who played a significant role in the history of modern art.

Gertrude Stein's "Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone" is a masterpiece of modern art that captures a moment of intimacy between two extraordinary women. It is a testament to the Cone sisters' passion for art and their close friendship with the Steins. The painting offers a glimpse into the complex and fascinating world of early 20th-century Paris, a time when art was undergoing radical transformation and women were playing an increasingly significant role in its development.

The Art of Acquiring: A Portrait of Etta and Claribel Cone

by Mary Gabriel

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2591 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE