N4 & 5 Braque images and wordbank • Born 1882 France • Died 1963 • Cubist

INFLUENCES

Greatest influence was Cezanne Worked with Picasso Impressionism; Cezanne – different viewpoints African Sculpture

OBJECTIVES

Combined several viewpoints Forms and Planes were rearranged on the canvas Did not want to create the illusion of reality on a 2D surface rejection of single viewpoint perspective lots of preliminary sketches before final composition was created limited their palette to sepia and grey Colour was not as important Form was observer had to decipher and recreate painting Hints of objects monochromatic colours harsh angles with hints of curves flatter more transparent paint distorted perspective experiments with the analysis of form

PHRASES

• multiple planes / strong verticals • muted, monochromatic colours • abandoned traditional perspective • exploring different viewpoints• sharp, angular shapes / cubes • limited their palette to sepia and grey • strong tonal gradations • horizontal brushstrokes • contrast of curves and sharp angles • highlight sense of form and structure • structure of cubes and planes • the use of multiple viewpoint is evident • making fun of conventional still life

 

Braque’s greatest influence was Cezanne (sometimes called the father of Modern Art). Cezanne was a Post Impressionist painter whose pictures were carefully constructed using monochromatic colours; angles as well as curves and flatter more transparent paint than the Impressionists.

Braque was introduced to Picasso in the year 1907.  Braque  was fascinated by Picasso’s experiments with the analysis of form.

Braque used muted colours, geometric patterns,. overlapping forms and distorted perspective. Braque and Picasso worked closely together producing angular pictures of an identical style.

Barque remained faithful to the “cubist’ subjects of still life and single figures but he began to develop a more personal style using a brighter range of colours and a freer, less angular manner.

By 1925 Braque had created a memorable series of still life pictures which brought him international success. As he continued experimenting he found a balance between intelligence and sensitivity, technique and inspiration. The resulting paintings combine the multiple planes of “cubism” with delicate colours, rounded forms and a feeling for flowing lines which all add up to pictures of great balance and stillness.

Right up to his death. in 1963, Braque’s lifelong interest had been the depiction of space and the relationship of objects within it. From 1907 to 1963
his work shows a great integrity in its constant reflection of “cubist” ideals.