Cubism 3Intentions and Interpretations

The Cubism of Picasso, Braque and Gris had more

than a technical or formal significance, and the

distinct attitudes and intentions of the Salon Cubists

produced different kinds of Cubism, rather than a

derivative of their work.

Aimed at a large public, these works stressed the use

of multiple perspective and complex planar faceting

for expressive effect while preserving the eloquence

of subjects endowed with literary and philosophical

connotations.

Jean Metzinger ~ the Rider

The Salon Cubists tended to follow the Picasso-

Braque Early Cubism style through their exposure

to this period of the two artists' work (1908 to

1910). They participated in public exhibitions

(salons) as opposed to private galleries, such as

the Salon d'Automne (the Autumn Salon) and the

Salon des Indépendants (which occured in the

spring salon).

Jean Metzinger ~ Nature Morte

Jean Metzinger ~ Sailboats

The Salon Cubists used the faceted treatment of solid and space and effects of multiple viewpoints to convey a physical and psychological sense of the fluidity of consciousness, blurring the distinctions between past, present and future.

With simultaneity, the concept of separate spatial and temporal dimensions was comprehensively challenged. The subject was no longer considered from a specific point of view at a moment in time, but built following a selection of successive viewpoints, i.e., as if viewed simultaneously from numerous angles (and in four-dimensions) with the eye free to roam from one to the other.

Picasso ~ Man with a Guitar

This technique of representing simultaneity,

multiple viewpoints (or relative motion) is pushed

to a high degree of complexity in Gleizes'

monumental Le Dépiquage des Moissons (Harvest

Threshing). These ambitious works are some of the

largest paintings in the history of Cubism. Léger’s

The Wedding gave form to the notion of

simultaneity by presenting different motifs as

occurring within a single temporal frame, where

responses to the past and present interpenetrate with

collective force.

Fernand Léger ~ the Wedding

Duchamp – Figure Descending a Staircase

(look familiar? Movement aka futurism perhaps?)