An 1907-1914 art movement which was radical and revolutionary in its age. The leading figures were Georges Braque (1882-1963) and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). The two were later joined by Juan Gris (1887-1927) and Ferdnand Léger (1881-1955)
Cubism went through a few formal stages:
- Facet cubism
- Analytical cubism, and
- Synthetic cubism
In facet cubism the artist begin to separate objects and figures into geometrical facets or elements. In terms of composition this early phase of cubism shows the influence of Cézanne.
Analytical cubism is the former just with an increased focus on multiple renditions and angles portrayed and examined for each facet simultaneaously. Eg a violin could be viewed from all angles at the same time as planes that were somehow imploded on themselves.
Synthetic cubism is a liberation from the two earlier stages in which particularly Picasso imports of African art.
See related article: Cubism and its pioneering duo