Georges Braque was a French painter and cofounder of Cubism, a movement that depicted objects in geometric shapes. In June 1908, Braque created the painting “Large Nude”, which marked his departure from his initial Fauvist style to utilize more geometric shapes. This work used a limited palette of colors to create the illusion of mass and weight. It was also a departure from the usual depiction of women and formed from geometric shapes.
Braque worked heavily on the painting throughout the winter, but it was less expressive and “primitive” than Picasso’s version. Picasso had also created a similar painting titled “Large Bathers” around the same time period. Despite this, Braque’s representation still showcased his artistic skill through his portrayal of textures and forms.
As an artist, Braque primarily painted still lifes with robust construction, low-key color harmonies, and a serene, meditative quality. His works were known for their reflective nature that invited contemplation rather than excitement in their viewers. The line between objectivity and subjectivity was often blurred in his paintings as he experimented with various styles throughout his career.
