The Clarinet Valse (1912; France) by Georges Braque

The Clarinet Valse - Georges Braque - 1912; France

Artwork Information

TitleThe Clarinet Valse
ArtistGeorges Braque
Date1912; France
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions91.3 x 64.5 cm
Art MovementSynthetic Cubism
Current LocationSolomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City, NY, US

About The Clarinet Valse

The artwork titled “The Clarinet Valse” was created by the artist Georges Braque in 1912, amid the innovative milieu of France. This canvas medium oil painting measures 91.3 by 64.5 centimeters and exemplifies the Synthetic Cubism movement. It is renowned for being a still life genre work and is currently housed at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, NY, United States.

“The Clarinet Valse” is characterized by its abstract form and fragmented appearance, hallmarks of the Synthetic Cubism movement. The composition merges various shapes and planes, which can be perceived as both merging with and breaking away from one another, creating a complex visual dialogue. The color palette is relatively subdued, featuring earthy tones and a limited range of hues, which directs the viewer’s focus to the interplay of form rather than color. Textural elements and the inclusion of letterforms contribute to the artwork’s multi-faceted nature. One can see the suggestion of musical elements, such as the clarinet mentioned in the title, amidst the geometric shapes, conveying the sense of a still life that integrates the abstraction of music with the physicality of painted objects. The oval shape of the canvas further distinguishes this work, providing a unique boundary within which these cubist explorations are conducted.

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