Falling for Cubism

Woman in an armchair,1913

Woman in an Armchair is the first of 78 prized paintings Leonard Lauder will be donating to the Met.  The transfer of the collection will be complete in time for a 2014 exhibit.  In one fell swoop the Met will have one of, if not the, most influential collection of cubism in the world.  Below are a few pieces that will be included in that gift ~

The Scallop Shell, Picasso,1912

Fruit Dish and Glass, Braque,1912

Figure Seated in Cafe, Juan Gris,1914

The Typographer, Fernand Léger,1918-19

Picasso and Braque are credited for conceiving cubism.  It was the first abstract style of modern art.  Cubists proposed the notion of viewing an image from many different angles and reconstructed it into a composition of planes.  The whole idea of space is reconfigured. 

While not part of Lauder's collection, these men are also strongly tied to the cubist movement.  They all must have spent a lot of time in cafes because that is a theme running through their art.  I picture these men sitting outside a French cafe, smoking cigarettes, talking and inspiring one another.  I must have gotten that from the movie Midnight in Paris.  Did you see it?  You should.

Jean Metzinger, Dancer in a Cafe,1912

Albert Gleizes,Woman with Animals,1914

If you enjoy cubism and can't afford a masterpiece (and who can these days?), here are a few artists  

I am crazy for and whom I have recently been exposed to ~ with a friendlier price tag ~

America Martin, In the Trees 2012

Alexandra Nechita, Voiceless Forest, 2001

Paolo de San Lorenzo

We all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  There is also beauty in knowing.  If this is not for you, there is so much magnificent art work out there that will speak to you.  Go find your joy!

Read more about Lauder's multi million dollar gift here