Origins and Development

Cubism emerged in Paris between 1907 and 1914, during a period of immense innovation and experimentation in the art world. The movement is typically divided into two phases: Analytic Cubism and Synthetic Cubism.

Analytic Cubism (1907-1912): This early phase focused on deconstructing objects into their fundamental geometric shapes. Picasso and Braque dissected subjects, presenting them in a fragmented, overlapping manner. Key works from this period include Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) and Braque's "Violin and Candlestick" (1910).

Synthetic Cubism (1912-1914): In the later phase, artists began to reassemble these fragmented shapes into more cohesive compositions, often incorporating mixed media and collage elements. This approach is seen in works like Picasso's "Still Life with Chair Caning" (1912) and Juan Gris's "The Sunblind" (1914).

Key Characteristics of Cubism

Multiple Perspectives: Cubist artists portrayed subjects from various angles within a single composition, challenging the notion of a single, fixed viewpoint.

Geometric Forms: Objects were broken down into basic geometric shapes like cubes, spheres, and cones, emphasizing the underlying structure of the subject.

Fragmentation: Subjects were fragmented and reassembled in abstract forms, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality.

Collage and Mixed Media: Especially in Synthetic Cubism, artists used collage techniques, incorporating materials like newspaper clippings, fabric, and other found objects into their works.

Influences and Legacy

Cubism was heavily influenced by earlier art movements and innovations, including the works of Paul Cézanne, who emphasized geometric simplification in his paintings, and the African and Oceanic art that Picasso encountered, which featured stylized forms and abstracted figures.

The impact of Cubism extended far beyond the visual arts, influencing literature, music, and architecture. Writers like Gertrude Stein and James Joyce experimented with fragmented narratives and multiple viewpoints, mirroring Cubist techniques in their literary works. Composers such as Igor Stravinsky incorporated dissonance and rhythmic complexity, reflecting the movement's principles.

Cubism also paved the way for later modernist movements, including Futurism, Constructivism, and Surrealism. Its emphasis on abstraction and conceptual representation resonated with artists seeking new ways to express the rapidly changing world.

Key Artists and Works