Cubist! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pablo Picasso

Cubism as an art movement is characterised by a radical approach to representation, breaking down objects into geometric shapes and reassembling them into abstract forms. This technique allows multiple perspectives to be depicted simultaneously, challenging traditional notions of perspective.

"Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and stage designer, is considered a groundbreaking work that marks the beginning of Cubism, although the term was not yet in use. The painting depicts five naked prostitutes from a Barcelona brothel, rendered in a fragmented, angular style. This work is often regarded as the first Cubist painting because of its challenge to conventional representations of space and form. Picasso's radical departure from traditional perspective and use of mask-like faces introduced a new visual language.

The development of the painting involved numerous sketches and studies, reflecting Picasso's exploration of different compositional elements and influences. "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" also marks Picasso's break with traditional Western depictions of the female nude, incorporating influences from African and Oceanic art that he encountered in Parisian ethnographic museums.

The painting is now part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Answer: Georges Braque

The name "Cubism" was coined in 1908 by the art critic Louis Vauxcelles, who described George Braque's landscapes as being composed of "cubes". Braque (1882-1963) was a French painter, collagist, draughtsman, printmaker and sculptor. His work is known for its monochrome palette and fragmented forms. He painted primarily in Paris, where he was influenced by and contributed to the avant-garde art scene.

"Violin and Candlestick" is a classic example of Analytical Cubism, in which objects are broken down into geometric shapes and depicted from multiple perspectives. Braque's meticulous arrangement of intersecting planes and muted colours creates a complex, abstract composition. The subject of the painting, a violin and candlestick, is rendered almost unrecognisable, underlining the Cubist emphasis on form over representation. Braque's process involved extensive preliminary drawings and studies, experimenting with different ways of deconstructing and reassembling the objects.

"Violin and Candlestick" is on view at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States.

Answer: Albert Gleizes

Cubism can be divided into two phases: Analytical Cubism (ca. 1907-1912) and Synthetic Cubism (ca. 1912-1919). Analytical Cubism involved a detailed and fragmented analysis of objects, often using monochrome colour schemes. Synthetic Cubism introduced brighter colours, simpler forms and the use of mixed media and collage elements.

Albert Gleizes (1881-1953), a French artist, theorist and writer, was a proponent of Analytical Cubism. His work and writings were instrumental in defining the movement, and he played an important role in spreading Cubist ideas through his theoretical contributions. Gleizes worked mainly in France and his style developed from early figurative works to increasingly abstract compositions.

"La Femme aux Phlox" reflects Gleizes' interest in depicting figures in complex, spatial environments. The painting deconstructs the woman and the phlox flowers into geometric shapes, creating a sense of movement and depth. Gleizes' use of colour and form demonstrates his exploration of simultaneity and multiple perspectives. His process involved a meticulous construction of space and form, often working from sketches and studies to achieve a cohesive, dynamic composition.

The painting is now in the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas.

Answer: Jean Metzinger

Jean Metzinger (1883-1956) was a French painter, theorist and writer who played a major role in the development of Cubism. Metzinger was part of the avant-garde community in Paris and collaborated with artists such as Albert Gleizes, with whom he co-wrote "Du 'Cubisme'" (1912), a seminal text that articulated the theoretical underpinnings of Cubist art. Metzinger's work transitioned from Divisionism and Fauvism to Cubism around 1910, and he became known for his analytical approach to depicting multiple perspectives within a single plane. His contributions to Cubism extended beyond painting to include critical writings that helped define and promote the movement.

"Tea Time" is one of Metzinger's most famous works and a prime example of early Cubism. The painting depicts a woman seated at a table, holding a cup of tea, with various objects arranged around her. Metzinger uses a fragmented, geometric style to deconstruct the figure and the surrounding space, presenting multiple viewpoints simultaneously. Metzinger's meticulous attention to detail and precise brushwork highlight the interplay between form and space, creating a harmonious balance that is both analytical and poetic. "Tea Time" also reflects Metzinger's interest in depicting time and movement, as the composition invites the viewer to explore the subject from different angles, similar to how one would perceive a scene over a period of time.

"Tea Time" is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the largest and most renowned art institutions in the United States.

Answer: Francis Picabia

Francis Picabia (1879-1953) was a French avant-garde painter, poet and typographer, known for his diverse artistic styles and his pioneering role in the Dada movement. Picabia's early work was influenced by Impressionism, but he soon moved on to Cubism and other avant-garde styles. He was a close associate of artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Guillaume Apollinaire and played a key role in the development of modern art through his involvement in various movements including Cubism, Dada and Surrealism.

"Dances at the Spring" is an important work from Picabia's Cubist period. The painting features a dynamic composition of fragmented and abstracted figures in motion, capturing the essence of a dance. Picabia's use of overlapping planes and geometric shapes creates a sense of rhythm and movement, while the bright, contrasting colours add to the vibrancy and energy of the scene. The painting exemplifies Picabia's interest in the relationship between movement and form, and his exploration of how to depict the dynamic, ever-changing nature of reality on a static canvas. "Dances at the Spring" reflects Picabia's ability to combine the analytical rigour of Cubism with a more expressive and fluid approach, setting the stage for his later forays into Dada and other avant-garde movements.

"Dances at the Spring" is part of the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Answer: Robert Delaunay

Robert Delaunay (1885-1941) was a French artist known for his contributions to the Cubist movement and his pioneering role in the development of Orphism, an offshoot of Cubism that emphasised the lyrical use of colour. Delaunay's work often focused on the interaction between colour and light, and he believed that colour could convey rhythm and movement. His collaborations with his wife, Sonia Delaunay, also an important artist, were influential in the development of abstract art.

"Simultaneous Windows on the City" is a significant example of Delaunay's exploration of Orphism and his interest in capturing the interplay of light and colour. The painting depicts fragmented views of a cityscape seen through several windows, with geometric shapes and vibrant colours creating a sense of movement and rhythm. Delaunay's use of simultaneous contrast, where colours are juxtaposed to enhance their visual impact, is a key feature of this work. The painting reflects Delaunay's fascination with modern urban life and his desire to capture the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the city.

The painting is housed in the Kunsthalle Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany, one of the largest and most important art museums in Germany, with a collection spanning seven centuries of European art.

Answer: Auguste Herbin

Auguste Herbin (1882-1960) was a French painter known for his role in the development of geometric abstraction. Herbin began his artistic career with a focus on Post-Impressionism and Fauvism, but became a prominent figure in the Cubist movement through his association with artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. His work evolved over the years to include abstract geometric forms and vibrant colour compositions. Herbin was also a founding member of the Abstraction-Création group, which promoted non-figurative art.

"The Roses" is an exemplary work from Herbin's Cubist period. The painting deconstructs the natural form of roses into a series of geometric shapes and fragmented planes. Herbin's use of vibrant colours and bold lines emphasises the abstract qualities of the subject while maintaining a connection to the recognisable floral forms. The painting reflects Herbin's interest in breaking down objects into their essential elements and reassembling them in a novel, visually stimulating way.

The painting is housed at the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Answer: Lyubov Popova

Lyubov Popova (1889-1924) was a Russian avant-garde artist and designer who played a key role in the development of Cubo-Futurism and Constructivism. Educated in Russia and France, Popova was influenced by Cubism, Futurism and traditional Russian art. She was a member of the influential artist groups "Jack of Diamonds" and "Union of Youth". Popova's work is characterised by a dynamic use of geometric forms, bold colours and an emphasis on spatial relationships. Her contributions to stage and costume design, as well as her theoretical writings, had a significant influence on the Russian avant-garde movement.

"Portrait of a Philosopher" is an example of Popova's mastery of Cubo-Futurist techniques. The painting depicts an abstracted human figure suggested by fragmented and overlapping planes, capturing the intellectual depth and contemplation associated with a philosopher. The composition is characterised by a complex interplay of geometric shapes and lines, creating a sense of movement and three-dimensionality. Popova's use of a muted palette with occasional bold highlights adds to the contemplative atmosphere of the work.

"Portrait of a Philosopher" is part of the collection of the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Founded in 1895, the State Russian Museum is the largest repository of Russian fine art in St Petersburg and one of the most important in Russia.

Answer: Juan Gris

Juan Gris (1887-1927) was a Spanish painter and sculptor closely associated with Cubism. Gris's work is known for its clarity, precision and use of vivid colour and texture. He is considered to be one of the most consistent Cubist artists, contributing significantly to the Synthetic phase of the movement. Gris worked primarily in France, where he was influenced by and contributed to the Parisian avant-garde scene.

"Harlequin with Guitar" is an example of Gris's mastery of Synthetic Cubism. The painting depicts the harlequin, a popular figure in European art and theatre, deconstructed into geometric shapes and vibrant colours. Gris's structured composition and playful use of pattern reflect his innovative approach to Cubist principles. His process involved assembling cut paper and other materials, which he then translated into his paintings. This technique allowed him to experiment with texture and form, resulting in a harmonious blend of abstraction and representation.

This painting is part of the collection of the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, which houses a wide range of modern and contemporary art.

Answer: Fernand Léger

Fernand Léger (1881-1955) was a French painter, sculptor and film-maker. He is best known for his bold, colourful style that combined Cubism with modern industrial themes. Léger's work often depicted mechanical objects and urban environments, reflecting his fascination with technology and modernity. He worked mainly in France, but also spent time in the United States during the Second World War.

"The City" is a vivid depiction of urban life, rendered in Léger's signature style of tubular forms and bold colours. The painting captures the dynamic energy of a modern city through a fragmented composition of buildings, figures and machinery. Léger's use of contrasting colours and geometric shapes creates a sense of rhythm and movement that reflects the bustling environment of the city. His process involved drawing inspiration from the machinery and architecture of contemporary urban environments.

"The City" is part of the collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.