Resurrection of the Bird (1959; France) by Georges Braque

Resurrection of the Bird - Georges Braque - 1959; France

Artwork Information

TitleResurrection of the Bird
ArtistGeorges Braque
Date1959; France
Mediumlithography,paper
Dimensions38 x 21 cm
Art MovementExpressionism
Current LocationMaeght Foundation, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France

About Resurrection of the Bird

Georges Braque’s “Resurrection of the Bird,” created in 1959 in France, is a notable example of an animal painting rendered in lithography on paper. This work, which is aligned with the Expressionist movement, measures 38 cm by 21 cm and is housed at the Maeght Foundation located in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. The artwork stands as a testament to Braque’s engagement with the innovative and emotive force of expressionist printmaking techniques.

The artwork presents a bold and abstract depiction of a bird, a subject commonly revisited throughout Braque’s oeuvre. Dominated by a black silhouette that suggests the outline of the bird, its resurrection is symbolized by the vibrant presence of pink, yellow, and gray colors which appear to infuse the form with life and movement. These colors bleed and blend into one another, eschewing strict boundaries in favor of a more dynamic and fluid transition. This treatment of color and form is characteristic of Braque’s later work, reflecting a departure from the analytical approach of his earlier cubist phase, in favor of a more intuitive, expressive style. The artwork’s texture, emphasized by the lithographic medium, adds depth and a tactile quality, accentuating the impression of rebirth and vitality.

The artwork’s place within the Expressionist movement is seen in its emotive use of color and bold graphic presentation. The seemingly spontaneous swirls and smudges of color that form the bird’s essence convey a sense of passion and energy, which are hallmarks of this artistic style. The gestural movement implied by the forms captures the thematic intent of the piece, expressing a moment of transformation and renewal through largely non-representational means.

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