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Cubism

Cubism

Cubism is a style of painting that emerged in the early 20th century in France. It is characterized by its emphasis on geometry, the fragmentation of form, and the use of multiple viewpoints to depict a subject. The movement was a significant departure from the traditional style of painting that was popular at the time, and it had a profound influence on the development of modern art.

Cubism - Woman with a mandolin - Pablo Picasso

The major contributors to the Cubism style of painting were Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who worked closely together in the early stages of the movement. Cubism was influenced by the fragmentation of form in African art, as well as by the multiple viewpoints and flattened perspectives of Japanese prints.

One of the defining features of Cubist painting is the use of geometric shapes to create a sense of fragmentation and multiple perspectives. The artists broke down the subject into its component parts and reassembled them in a way that emphasized their underlying geometric structure. This technique allowed the artists to create a sense of depth and movement in the painting, despite the flattened perspective.

Another key characteristic of Cubist painting is the use of multiple viewpoints to depict a subject. Rather than creating a single, unified image of the subject, the artists used multiple viewpoints to depict different aspects of the subject simultaneously. This approach allowed the artists to create a more comprehensive and dynamic depiction of the subject, and it had a profound influence on the development of modern art.

Pablo Picasso is perhaps the most well-known and influential of the Cubist painters. He is best known for his early Cubist works, which he developed in collaboration with Georges Braque. Picasso’s early Cubist paintings, such as “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” are characterized by their fragmented forms and multiple viewpoints, and they had a profound influence on the development of modern art.

Georges Braque is another prominent Cubist painter, known for his still life paintings and his use of muted colors. He worked closely with Picasso in the early stages of the movement, and his work had a significant influence on the development of Cubism.

In conclusion, Cubism was a significant departure from the traditional style of painting that was popular in the early 20th century. Its emphasis on geometry, fragmentation of form, and multiple viewpoints had a significant impact on the art world. The major contributors to the Cubist style, including Picasso and Braque, continue to be celebrated for their innovative approach to painting and their contributions to the art world.

Further Reading

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