The artwork titled “Harbor in Normandy” by Georges Braque was created in 1909 and is an oil on canvas exemplifying the Analytical Cubism art movement. Measuring 80 by 80 cm, this piece portrays a landscape and is held in a private collection. Braque crafted this piece in France, reflecting his engagement with the Cubist approach to representing reality.
The artwork showcases the classic characteristics of Analytical Cubism, a period during which artists dissected objects and figures into a multitude of facets and planes to depict them from various angles simultaneously. The palette is relatively subdued, employing earthy tones and grays that interlock and overlap to construct the representation of a harbor. Form and space are fragmented; the boats and their components, along with architectural elements like a lighthouse, are broken down into geometric shapes. The abstract composition challenges traditional perspectives, inviting viewers to engage with the painting through an analysis of form rather than merely recognizing the subject matter. Despite the abstract nature, there remains an echo of the original scene, where discerning observers might note the masts, hulls, and other maritime elements that hint at the artist’s interpretation of a harbor in Normandy.