Georges Braque

Date of Birth: May 13, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 31, 1963

Biography

Georges Braque was a pioneering French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, born on May 13, 1882, in Argenteuil, France. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of Cubism, alongside Pablo Picasso. Braque’s early work was influenced by the Fauvist movement, characterized by bold colors and expressive brushwork. However, his artistic direction took a transformative turn when he began experimenting with geometric forms and fragmented perspectives, laying the groundwork for Cubism. Braque’s collaboration with Picasso between 1908 and 1914 was particularly fruitful, leading to the creation of numerous iconic works that challenged conventional perceptions of space and form. The outbreak of World War I interrupted Braque’s artistic pursuits, but he resumed painting after the war, continuing to evolve his style with a focus on still lifes and interiors. Throughout his career, Braque received numerous accolades and exhibited his work internationally. His influence on modern art is profound, and his legacy endures through the continued appreciation and study of his innovative techniques and compositions. Georges Braque passed away on August 31, 1963, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Georges Braque

1. Georges Braque was initially trained as a house painter and decorator, following in his father’s footsteps, before pursuing fine art.

2. He was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix National de Peinture by the French government in 1961.

3. Braque’s painting “Houses at L’Estaque” (1908) is often cited as one of the first true Cubist paintings.

4. He served in the French Army during World War I and suffered a severe head injury in 1915, which affected his vision for a time.

5. Braque also designed stage sets for the Ballets Russes, collaborating with Sergei Diaghilev.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georges Braque

1. “Art is made to disturb. Science reassures.”

2. “Truth exists; only lies are invented.”

3. “With age, art and life become one.”

4. “Painting is a nail to which I fasten my ideas.”

5. “There is only one thing in art that has value: the thing you cannot explain.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Georges Braque’s net worth was estimated to be several million dollars, though precise figures are not well-documented given the time period.