Thomas Hart Benton

Georges Braque, born on May 13, 1882, in Argenteuil-sur-Seine, France, was a pivotal figure in 20th-century art, co-originating Cubism with Pablo Picasso. Initially influenced by Fauvism, Braque was inspired by the works of Henri Matisse and André Derain, known for their vivid colors and emotional intensity. By 1908, he shifted focus to the style of Paul Cézanne, leading him towards Cubism. Braque's works from 1908 to 1913 explored light, perspective, and the nature of visual illusion, often portraying objects in both flat and three-dimensional forms. His collaboration with Picasso around 1910-1912 resulted in the development of Analytic Cubism, as seen in his work "Violin and Pitcher," and experiments with collage. Braque's artistic journey was interrupted by World War I, resuming in 1917 with a more personal style characterized by vibrant colors and textured surfaces. He reintroduced human figures in his work post-war, focusing on still lifes and maintaining a strong emphasis on structure. Braque continued to create significant paintings, graphics, and sculptures with a contemplative quality until his death on August 31, 1963, in Paris.