Georges Braque

Georges Braque (13 May 1882, Argenteuil – 31 August 1963, Paris) was a French painter, graphic artist, stage designer, sculptor and decorator. He is one of the founders of Cubism (together with Pablo Picasso). Braque’s work between 1908 and 1912 was closely intertwined with that of his colleague Pablo Picasso. Their Cubist works were nearly indistinguishable for many years.

Early Career

Georges Braque was born on 13 May 1882 in Argenteuil, near Paris. From an early age, he showed an interest in art, learning the craft of decorative painting in his father’s workshop. In 1901, Braque enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Liège, later continuing his studies in Paris.

French Period of Creativity

In the beginning of 1906, Braque joined the Fauvist group, inspired by the vivid colors and emotional expressiveness of Henri Matisse and André Derain. However, his work soon became more analytical. After meeting Pablo Picasso in 1907, Braque laid the foundations of Cubism — one of the most revolutionary movements in 20th-century art history.

Exhibitions and Success

Braque’s solo exhibition at the Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler Gallery in 1908 marked an important milestone in his recognition. At this time, the term "Cubism" was coined to describe the new way of representing space. His works participated in famous exhibitions such as the Salone d’Automne and the Salon des Indépendants, as well as international events including the Armory Show in New York (1913).

Last Years and Death

After World War I, Braque continued to develop the language of Cubism, adding elements of color and decorativeness. He actively worked in printmaking, sculpture and book design. In 1963, after a long and rich creative life, Georges Braque passed away in Paris. His name remains a symbol of innovation in painting, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.

Georges Braque - gallery of masterpieces