Art History Essay: Analytical Cubism, Picasso, Braque, and Modern Art

This essay delves into the core concepts and characteristics of Analytical Cubism, a groundbreaking art movement pioneered by Picasso and Braque in 1909. It explores the fragmentation of objects, multiple viewpoints, and the dissolution of edges as key features. The essay examines how artists analyzed subjects, breaking them down into simpler forms to be viewed from different perspectives, challenging the traditional linear perspective. The essay provides an overview of the characteristics, including fragmentation, dissolvable edges, multiple viewpoints, painting what is known rather than what is seen, the absence of objects’ severalty, and subject’s concept rather than perspective. The essay further analyzes artworks by Picasso and Braque, highlighting the use of various materials and techniques. The impact of Analytical Cubism on art history is also discussed, emphasizing its role in revolutionizing modern art, inspiring movements like Futurism, and influencing architecture and sculpture. The essay concludes by emphasizing the lasting influence of Analytical Cubism on contemporary art, photography, and commercial applications.