Cubism, an influential early-20th-century art movement originating in Paris, redefined art by depicting subjects from multiple perspectives. Pioneered by Picasso and Braque, it inspired various artistic movements worldwide.
Paul Cézanne's painting, Pyramid of Skulls, created around 1901, had a significant influence on early Cubists like Picasso and Braque. The painting showcased Cézanne's unique style and approach to art, which later became a bridge between Impressionism and Cubism.
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon is a painting by Pablo Picasso that showcases sharp angles, influences from Micronesian art, Iberian sculpture, primitivism, and African masks. It marked the beginning of Cubism and challenged traditional painting norms.
Georges Braque created the artwork 'Fruit Dish' during the years 1908-1909. It is one of his major works in the Cubist style, showcasing his unique approach to multiple perspectives and geometric shapes.
Georges Braque's 'The Guitar' created in 1909-1910 is a notable piece in the history of Cubism, showcasing his innovative use of geometric shapes and perspectives in depicting musical instruments.
Metzinger's Nu à la cheminée exhibited at the 1910 Salon d'Automne pushed the technique of representing simultaneity and multiple viewpoints to a high degree of complexity in Cubism.
Pablo Picasso's painting pushing experiments in new directions, introducing painted words and elements of popular culture.
The Cubist contribution to the 1912 Salon d'Automne led to scandal due to the use of government buildings for exhibiting such artwork. Politician Jean Pierre Philippe Lampué's indignation made headlines, sparking debates in the Municipal Council of Paris and the Chambre des Députés.
Still Life on a Table is a 1913 work by George Braque, known for its use of pasted paper along with traditional materials like pencil, gouache, charcoal, and ink.
Cubism introduced the concept of the broken picture plane in 1914, deviating from the traditional Academic art of the 19th century. The fragmented forms in Cubist art alternately protrude and recede, creating a dynamic interaction with the viewer and rejecting the consistent texture of previous artistic styles.
Juan Gris' painting combining interior and exterior views through interlocking elements and reintroducing color to Cubist style.
In 1916, Braque continued experimenting with his art, featuring elements of Cubism. His work was noted for less rigidity in the abstractions of the subjects and the use of colors that did not reflect the reality of still life.
In 1917, Picasso moved beyond Cubism and inserted more realism into his paintings. This marked a departure from his previous works, reflecting a shift in his artistic style.
After World War I, Cubism experienced a revival with the support of art dealer Léonce Rosenberg. Despite facing challenges from emerging art movements like geometric abstraction and Surrealism, Cubism remained a central focus for artists until the mid-1920s.
Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler's book, Der Weg zum Kubismus, published in 1920, focused on the developments of Picasso, Braque, Léger, and Gris, becoming a significant source for the historical study of Cubism.
Fernand Léger's modern reinterpretation of reclining nude theme, combining influences from Cubism and Futurism.
Cubist Self-Portrait by Salvador Dalí is a piece of art that features the artist's disembodied head with gaunt angularity and prominent eyebrows, showcasing his exploration of Cubism. The painting hints at silent observation and marks Dalí's venture into the Cubist style.
In 1927, Cubists Joseph Csaky, Jacques Lipchitz, Louis Marcoussis, Henri Laurens, Gustave Miklos, and others collaborated in decorating a Studio House in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Each artist contributed to different elements such as fountain, staircase, fireplace mantel, and a Cubist rug.
William Faulkner's 1930 novel, As I Lay Dying, can be seen as interacting with the cubist mode. The novel features narratives from 15 characters that together form a cohesive body, reflecting the diverse experiences.
Painted by Pablo Picasso, Guernica is a powerful anti-war painting depicting the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. The artwork showcases a chaotic scene of devastation with symbolic elements like a mutilated soldier, a screaming horse, and a weeping mother.
In 1942, Pablo Picasso created a sculpture using a bicycle seat and handlebars, transforming them into a bull's head, showcasing the innovative use of found objects in art.
The exhibition catalog 'Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective' edited by William Rubin was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1980, offering a comprehensive look at Picasso's artistic journey.
The exhibition catalog 'The Essential Cubism, 1907–1920: Braque, Picasso & Their Friends' by Douglas Cooper and Gary Tinterow was presented at the Tate Gallery in London in 1983, showcasing the works of key Cubist artists.
In October 2004, Sabine Rewald wrote an essay on the art movement of Cubism, delving into its characteristics and significance in the art world.
In 2018, the book 'The Crisis of Ugliness: From Cubism to Pop-Art' by Mikhail Lifshitz was published, exploring the transition from Cubism to Pop-Art. The book delves into the evolution of artistic movements and their impact on aesthetics.