Birds on Blue > Georges Braque

Georges Braque was a French painter who started studying at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1900. Initially he painted in the manner of Fauves, with pure pigments and bright colours, but was not in harmony with the subjective and impulsive aspects of Fauvism. Braque began painting in a geometrically analytical manner and when introduced to Picasso in 1907, co-invented Cubism which would later pave the way for Abstract art. After World War I, in which Braque was seriously wounded, his style became less angular, incorporating graceful curves. He concentrated on still life which lead to his Studio series of the 1950’s. As well as painting, Braque also designed stage sets, costumes and illustrated books. He enjoyed immense prestige, becoming Commander of the Legion of Honor in 1951. In 1961 he was the first living artist to have their work exhibited in the Louvre.