The Publisher Eugene Figuiere

Albert Gleizes' 1913 painting "Portrait de l'éditeur Eugène Figuière" is a distinguished piece in the art world, celebrated at numerous prestigious exhibitions. This Cubist masterpiece depicts Eugène Figuière, a publisher deeply involved in the modern art movement. Figuière was instrumental in promoting Cubism, publishing seminal works such as the manifesto "Du 'Cubisme'" by Gleizes and Jean Metzinger, and "Les Peintres Cubistes, Méditations Esthétiques" by Guillaume Apollinaire.

Currently housed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon in France, the painting illustrates Figuière amidst his publications, seamlessly blending his figure with his surroundings. Gleizes employs techniques like multiple perspectives and the inclusion of a clock to allude to the concepts of 'duration' by mathematician Henri Poincaré and philosopher Henri Bergson. At this time, Gleizes was interested in the rhythmic relationships between objects and their various facets.

Figuière's publishing house was pivotal in advancing modern art and literature, releasing works by notable authors such as Alexandre Mercereau, Guillaume Apollinaire, and Jacques Nayral. The year 1913 was a milestone for Cubism, with Gleizes participating in the Salon d'Automne, a major event that celebrated the movement's evolution.

At the 1913 Salon d'Automne, Cubism took center stage, with artists like de La Fresnaye, Gleizes, and Picabia leading the charge. Marcel Sembat ardently defended the Cubists against criticism, championing artistic freedom. Despite some backlash questioning the value of Cubist art, particularly Gleizes' contributions, the movement continued to flourish.

"Portrait de l'éditeur Eugène Figuière" has been featured in various art exhibitions over the years, underscoring its significance in the history of Cubism and modern art.