Early Life and Education
Georges Braque was born on May 13, 1882, in Argenteuil, Île-de-France, France. He was the son of Charles Braque and Augustine Johannet. From a young age, Braque showed an interest in art and began painting at a young age. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Le Havre before moving to Paris in 1900 to study at the Académie Humbert.
Early Career and Influences
During his early career, Braque was heavily influenced by the works of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters such as Paul Cézanne and Georges Seurat. He experimented with various styles and techniques before settling on a more geometric and structured approach to painting.
Introduction to Cubism
In 1907, Braque met Pablo Picasso, and their friendship would change the course of modern art forever. Together, they developed the groundbreaking art movement known as Cubism. This style emphasized the use of geometric shapes and multiple perspectives to depict objects in a fragmented way.
Development of Cubism
As Braque and Picasso continued to work together, they further developed the principles of Cubism. They created paintings that challenged traditional notions of perspective and representation, breaking down objects into their basic geometric forms.
Major Works
One of Braque’s most famous works is “Violin and Candlestick” from 1910. This painting is a prime example of his early Cubist style, with its fragmented forms and overlapping planes. Another notable work is “The Portuguese” from 1911, which is considered one of the first truly abstract paintings.
Influence on Modern Art
Braque’s contributions to modern art cannot be overstated. His work laid the foundation for future movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. Artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock were heavily influenced by his innovative approach to painting.
Later Career and Legacy
In the later years of his career, Braque continued to explore new artistic ideas and techniques. He experimented with different mediums such as sculpture and ceramics, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in art.
Death and Burial
Georges Braque passed away on August 31, 1963, in Paris, France. He was buried in the Varengeville-Sur-Mer Churchyard. Despite his passing, his legacy continues to inspire artists around the world to this day.
Personal Life
Braque was married to Marcelle Lapre, with whom he had two children. He was known for his quiet and reserved personality, preferring to let his art speak for itself rather than seek attention for himself.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Braque received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the art world. In 1961, he was awarded the Grand Prix National de Peinture in France in recognition of his lifetime achievements.
