George Braque and His Legacy in 20th-Century Art

When people think about modern art it’s not likely that they will think about George Braque but his contribution to the art world cannot be understated.

Back in the early 90’s when I first discovered Braque’s work I had taken drafting during my 4 years of high school because my goal was to become an architect but, when I discovered art, those plans changed.

By diving deeper into Braque’s work I realized that he was a master draftsman who planned out his paintings with sketches and drawing before he applied paint to canvas. That approach appealed to me and over the years I’ve created modern art that was thoughtfully and carefully planned with the eye of a draftsman.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Argenteuil, France, Braque (1882–1963), grew up in Le Havre, where he trained as a house painter and decorator under his father. However, his passion for fine Art led him to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Le Havre and later in Paris. Initially influenced by the Fauvist movement, Braque’s early works were characterized by vivid colors and loose, expressive brushstrokes, reflecting the influence of artists like Henri Matisse and André Derain.

Another thing that appealed to me about Braque when I first discovered his work was his working man background because, after high school I also did a wide variety of manual labor jobs including house painting, piano moving and landscaping.

During the day I worked hard at my job while dreaming about the artwork that I was working on and at night I was in my studio working on my latest paintings.

A turning point in Braque’s life came in 1907 when he encountered Picasso’s work, particularly Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. This meeting sparked a creative partnership that would revolutionize modern Art. Braque and Picasso embarked on a journey to deconstruct traditional notions of perspective, giving birth to Cubism.

The Birth of Cubism

Cubism developed between 1907 and 1914, and it was a radical departure from the conventions of Western Art. Rejecting the idea of a single viewpoint, Braque and Picasso sought to simultaneously represent objects from multiple perspectives. This fragmented and abstract approach challenged the viewer to engage with the artwork in new ways.

Braque’s 1908 painting Houses at L’Estaque is considered one of the earliest Cubist works. Its geometric simplification of forms and muted palette marked a departure from his Fauvist roots. Over the next few years, Braque and Picasso worked so closely that their styles became nearly indistinguishable, co-creating what is now called Analytical Cubism. During this phase, Braque experimented with muted tones and intricate interlocking planes to break down objects into their fundamental shapes.

In today’s art world it’s not hard to create new work that’s classified as ‘modern art’ but back in 1908, Braque and Picasso had to have a ton of bravery to create their vision of art and share it with the world. Thankfully, they paved the way for artists like myself to create work that we believe in without having to deal with the stringent requirements of the early 20th century.

Innovations in Art: Collage and Texture

Braque made another significant contribution to modern Art with his invention of papier collé, or pasted paper, in 1912. This technique, which involved attaching pieces of paper and other materials to the canvas, marked the beginning of Synthetic Cubism. Works like Fruit Dish and Glass integrated materials like newspaper clippings and wood grain paper, blurring the lines between Art and everyday life.

In addition to collage, Braque experimented with texture and materiality, incorporating sand, sawdust, and other substances into his paintings. These innovations expanded the boundaries of what Art could be, influencing movements like Dada, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.

Later Years and Legacy

Braque’s work evolved after World War I, becoming more personal and lyrical. His late works often revisited traditional themes like still life and landscape, but they retained the innovative spirit of his Cubist period. His influence extended far beyond his lifetime, inspiring generations of artists to explore abstraction and experiment with materials. This emphasis on his influence can make the audience feel inspired by his legacy.

George Braque’s legacy lies in his relentless pursuit of innovation and his ability to challenge and redefine artistic conventions. By pioneering Cubism and exploring new forms of creative expression, he left an indelible mark on the art world, securing his place as one of the most influential figures in modern art history. This accentuation of his ability to redefine conventions can make the audience feel intrigued by his work.