Georges Braque (1882-1963) - Papiers Colles IV

Georges Braques

Lithograph. "Papiers Colles IV". After an original collage of 1914

Published by Maeght, Paris, 1963

38x28 cm

Following Braque's death in October 1963, a special edition of Derriere Le Miroir was published, gathering together a number of artists from the period, who produced works in 'hommage' to the great man. Some of his own compositions were also reproduced, of which this is one.

Georges Braque was born in Paris in 1882. He was a major 20th-century painter, collagist, draughtsman, printmaker and sculptor. He was most well known for being the co-founder of Cubism alongside famous artist Pablo Picasso.

In addition to the invention of Cubism, he also focussed on other forms of art which were prominent at various time periods and produced works touching on Impressionism, Fauvism, and Collage. resulting in a body of work which brought together a series of imaginative pieces, bold colours, and distinct shapes and styles. His style changed during the war years to represent the sombre, dark period the world was going through. In between wartime, he would also change his style and themes, to represent lighter times, and happier events which were taking place around him.

Although he did change his style, tone, colour use, and design features, he never strayed too far away from Cubism. There were also tinges or hints of this style, in every piece that he created during the course of his career, and it is this that makes his work so distinct, in comparison to other artists of the time, who did not explore so many different styles in their work.

He died in 1963 after a long and illustrious career and his influence on contemporary art pervades to this day.