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Student Artwork Guide

Cigar Box

Larry Rivers, 1967

Name Class Date
Larry Rivers, Cigar Box (1967). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Larry Rivers artsdot.com/en/artists/larry-rivers/
Artist’s dates
1923 – 2002
Painted
1967
Movement
Pop Art Art made from advertising, comics and packaging, treating supermarket images as worth a gallery wall.
Artistic style
Naive art / Folk painting
Influences
Pop Art
Notable elements or techniques
Layered composition, Bold outlines, Flat color
Subject or theme
Portraiture, still life, decoration

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Larry Rivers died in 2002; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2072. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 2, 2026

Cigar Box — Larry Rivers Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Cigar Box — Larry Rivers

When was this painted?

  1. 1920
  2. 1930
  3. 1940
  4. 1950
  5. 1960
  6. 1970
  7. 1980
  8. 1990
  9. 2000

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 79 at death.

Painted when the artist was 44. The artist lived to 79. 14 of the 21 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Larry Rivers (1923–2002) ▲ this work, 1967 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1960 Main working years: 1960–1968 Late works: from 1968

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/larry-rivers-cigar-box-ARA8RL-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Espresso #514320

    Catalogued palette

    • #514320
    • #B1AF81
    • #D1D6D6
    • #82835B

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Neutrals The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Espresso
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Larry Rivers over the last twelve months — 3 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 80.0%
    2. 2 Russia 10.0%
    3. 3 United States of America 10.0%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 12 most looked-at works by Larry Rivers

    1. 1 Portrait of Joseph H. Hirshhorn, 1963 9.1%
    2. 2 The 25 Cent Summer Cap, 1955 9.1%
    3. 3 The last civil war veteran 9.1%
    4. 4 Dutch Masters, 1968 9.1%
    5. 5 Gilbert and Garbo 9.1%
    6. 6 Ernst and the Rape of the Sabine Women 9.1%
    7. 7 Bjork 9.1%
    8. 8 Self portrait 9.1%
    9. 9 For adults only 9.1%
    10. 10 French Money III 9.1%
    11. 11 Those who Fire, Those Who Run 9.1%
    12. — Cigar Box, 1967 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 54 works by this artist, of which 11 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 2, 2026

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers

    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.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 2, 2026

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Larry Rivers

    Born in The Bronx, United States of America

    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.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Cigar Box

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/larry-rivers-cigar-box-ARA8RL-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Rivers, Larry. Cigar Box. 1967, https://artsdot.com/en/art/larry-rivers-cigar-box-ARA8RL-en/
    APA
    Rivers, Larry (1967). Cigar Box [Painting]. https://artsdot.com/en/art/larry-rivers-cigar-box-ARA8RL-en/
    Chicago
    Larry Rivers. Cigar Box. 1967. https://artsdot.com/en/art/larry-rivers-cigar-box-ARA8RL-en/
    Harvard
    Rivers, Larry (1967) Cigar Box. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/larry-rivers-cigar-box-ARA8RL-en/

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 2, 2026

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. How many faces can you find? ____ (our catalogue counts 1 — do you agree?)
    4. Our catalogue files this work under: portrait, cigar box, floral. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    5. Look back at Little French Money II (1962), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 2, 2026

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers Part 5 · Look closely

    Art quiz

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What is the most prominent artistic style evident in Larry Rivers’ ‘Cigar Box’?

      • A Impressionism
      • B Naive Art/Folk Painting
      • C Cubism

    2. 2. The artwork's composition features a layered approach. What is found in the foreground of the box painting?

      • A Pink roses and black flowers
      • B Rows of dark grey cigars
      • C A stylized portrait of a man

    3. 3. What does Larry Rivers' biography suggest about his early career before becoming a painter?

      • A He was a renowned sculptor.
      • B He worked as a jazz saxophonist.
      • C He studied classical music composition.

    4. 4. What is the overall effect of the contrast between the serious portrait and playful details in 'Cigar Box'?

      • A Harmony and balance
      • B Whimsy and slight unsettling feeling
      • C A sense of realism

    5. 5. What is a key characteristic of the lighting in ‘Cigar Box’?

      • A Dramatic chiaroscuro
      • B Flat and even
      • C Strong directional light source

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1B · 2B · 3B · 4B · 5B

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Oct. 2, 2026

    Cigar Box — Larry Rivers Part 6 · Art quiz

    Questions & Answers

    How strong are the colors of "Cigar Box"?

    The color of "Cigar Box" is subtle color in saturation and balanced in intensity.

    Who is the artist behind "Cigar Box"?

    "Cigar Box" was created by Larry Rivers. The information on this page describes Larry Rivers's original work.

    What colors dominate "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers?

    The color identity of "Cigar Box" by Larry Rivers: a neutrals palette, dominated by espresso (#514320).