CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum
“Man needs colour to live; it’s just as necessary an element as fire and water.” Fernand Léger ( February 4, 1881 – August 17, 1955)
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Composition (The Typographer) Fernand Léger, 1918–19
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum -Composition (The Typographer) Fernand Léger
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Houses under the Trees
Fernand Léger 1913
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum: A look at The Leonard A. Lauder Collection
If you happen to visit New York in the coming weeks and months, I encourage you to spend some time at the upcoming exhibition on CUBISM at The Metropolitan Museum. Spread over seven galleries, it features 80 works by 4 of its most celebrated Cubist artists: Fernand Léger, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Juan Gris. The exhibition offers a fantastic journey through some of their artwork, curated from Leonard Lauder’s impressive collection, and outlines the genesis of Cubism. It will open to the public on Oct 20 – Feb 16. Make sure to see it as I bet you’ll enjoy the exciting range of artwork in the collection. I loved every minute of it.
In case you’ve forgotten, Mr Leonard Lauder, Chairman emeritus of Estee Lauder, announced, in April 2013, that he was making a huge donation of his Cubist art collection worth over $1 billion dollars to The Met Museum. His collection includes 33 Picassos, 17 Braques, 14 Légers and 14 works by Gris and has put The Met Museum in an envious position of becoming a major repository of Cubist art. Cubism is considered the most influential art movement of the early 20th century and those 4 artists were either co-founders and/or innovative contributors to the movement. I’ve added a brief history of each artist with links to Wikipedia and The Met Museum where you can learn and see more of the art work. Do you plan to see the collection? What are your thoughts?
Joseph Fernand Henri Léger (French) was a painter, sculptor, and filmmaker. He was one the earliest artists to create a form of cubism in his art work. He was also considered a forerunner of pop art because of his bold treatment of modern subjects in his art work. Over time, he modified his art to a figurative, populist style. I love his use of bold, strong colors and the seemingly simple yet complex nature of his art.
“The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.” Pablo Picasso (25 October 1881 – 8 April 1973)
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Woman in a Chemise in an Armchair, Pablo Picasso, 1914
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Woman in a Chemise in an Armchair, Pablo Picasso, 1914
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Two Nudes
Pablo Picasso 1909, Woman with a book, 1909
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Museum entrance announcing the 4 featured Cubists
Leonard A. Lauder on Collecting Cubism
Pablo Ruiz y Picasso (Spanish) lived into the 1970’s and some of us were around when he was still alive and creating his art. He was a painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer, poet and playwright. He spent the bulk of his productive, creative life in France and some people mistakenly assume he was french. Picasso is credited with developing, exploring, and creating a wide variety of styles; he co-founded the Cubist movement, invented constructed sculpture, and co-invented the art of collage with Georges Braque. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. I’ve always loved his artwork and have been drawn to his African influenced art.
“There is only one valuable thing in art: the thing you cannot explain.” Georges Braque (13 May 1882 – 31 August 1963)
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Still Life with Clarinet (Bottle and Clarinet) Georges Braque (French, Argenteuil 1882–1963 Paris) 1911
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Still Life with Clarinet (Bottle and Clarinet) Georges Braque (French, Argenteuil 1882–1963 Paris) 1911
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Bottle, Glass, and Pipe (Violette de Parme) Georges Braque,1914
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Fruit Dish and Glass
Georges Braque, 1912, Head of a Woman Georges Braque, 1912
Georges Braque (French) was a highly regarded 20th-century painter, collagist, draughtsman, printmaker and sculptor. Braque invented the papier collé technique which is a form of collage making and you can see the style in the photo above. He also wielded enormous influence through his artistic contributions; particularly his alliance with Fauvism from 1906, his close association with the work of his colleague Pablo Picasso from 1908 to 1912, and his involvement in the development of Cubism. I’m a huge fan of collage, so you can imagine how much this exhibition and Braque’s art meant to me.
“You are lost, the moment you know what the result will be.” Juan Gris (March 23, 1887 – May 11, 1927)
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Head of a Woman (Portrait of the Artist’s Mother) Juan Gris Paris, 1912
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Head of a Woman (Portrait of the Artist’s Mother) Juan Gris Paris, 1912
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Head of a Woman (Portrait of the Artist’s Mother) Juan Gris, 1912
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Pears and Grapes on a Table
Juan Gris, 1913
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Back of Houses in Paris, Place Ravignan, Juan Gris
José Victoriano (Carmelo Carlos) González-Pérez (Spanish) was better known as Juan Gris. Gris was a painter and sculptor. He grew up in Madrid but spent most of his life living and working in France. He was influenced by Cubism which was seen as the innovative, artistic, genre of his day. His creative body of work is considered among the most distinctive of the Cubist movement and, even though he lived for only 40 years, his innovative work remains one of the top artistic expressions of the Cubist period. I found his collection truly inspiring, by virtue of its range and subject matter.
More Below!
“Enormous enlargements of an object or a fragment give it a personality it never had before, and in this way, it can become a vehicle of entirely new lyric and plastic power.” Fernand Léger
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – The Village Fernand Léger 1914
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – The Village Fernand Léger 1914
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – The Village
Fernand Léger, 1914
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Composition (The Typographer) Fernand Léger 1918–19
CUBISM: The Exhibition At The Met Museum – Posters outside the Museum
What I observed as I looked through my photos from the exhibit is that I took more pictures of colorful artwork from the collection. I spent more time enjoying Fernand and Gris’s works. I think it was mainly because I was pulled to the colors and collages, and, perhaps, because I’m more familiar with Picasso and Braque and have seen either more museum pieces or pictures of their art work. I love Fernand’s quote about color at the top of my post. It spoke to me and I’m curious to hear which artist you favor. Your insights and knowledge will be appreciated. Thank you and do go see the exhibition.
*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on your blogs and commenting… Thank you all for your patience!
Positive Motivation Tip: Art in all its forms is empowering and enlightening. It helps us preserve history while creating beauty. Seek your medium and create!
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Photos – some from my personal collection, some from The Met Museum, and one from the NYTimes.
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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To be honest, I have never really understood this type of art.
I hear you Colline! That is the beauty of art. We are drawn to different genres and some things don’t resonate with us at all. Love your honesty. 🙂 👍
Seeing Guernica in person in Spain was a truly pivotal moment for me. I love art, and I am constantly inspired by it. My art is writing instead of visual mediums, but I love to explore cubism and other forms. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful Jen! Guernica is truly a masterpiece and I get your reaction. Yes, we all have our gifts and, like you, I love to see an enjoy the work of great artists and up and coming ones too.
I would have so visited if I was still in Brooklyn. I love the exhibitions that the NY Met Museum usually has and I so miss going yearly.
I can imagine how much you enjoyed art as I get the artist’s spirit in your writings. Here’s a little secret, every exhibition is fully documented and cataloged by The Met. I added one for this exhibition and others are there too. I know it’s not quite the same as in person but it’s better than nothing.
So cool. I am proud at myself. I looked at the pictures and took a guess and read the description and I was right on almost all of them. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Totally cool! I’m with you on that. 🙂
I am proud of myself. I looked at the pictures and guessed what it was and then I read the description and I was right on almost all of them. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! I like when I’m able to do that too. Glad you enjoyed the post and do follow the links to see more.
I love colour and the Leger quote touches me deeply, but I’m drawn to the elegance of the almost monotone shades of the pieces by Braque and Gris. If Lauder has given the collection to the Met where will they go when the exhibition ends?
I love Leger very much and feel the power and complexity of the other two. Color just rocks my boat. Haha! The collection could travel to other museums. It would all depend on the kinds of collaborations/agreements The Met has enjoyed in the past.
So glad to hear of this generous donation to the Met! That way everyone can enjoy it. While Cubism artwork isn’t my favorite, it is interesting to see!
Yes, The Met is very fortunate to have received this great gift from the Lauder family.
Wonderful–thanks for the tour.
It was very well organized and gave us a clear history of their artistic progressions Thank you for your comment!
I adore the Met! I haven’t been there in a few years, but I’m going to be back down there again next month.
I have always loved cubism. I would love to see this exhibit.
And so you should… If you are nearby, go see it. They also have a fabulous coffee table book to accompany the presentation. It’s Stunning!
What a cool show. I’ve always been really fascinated with cubism. It’s great to see how the cubists transformed the world with their art.
To be honest, this is not my favorite type of art. But it does look like a very nice exhibition.
I love cubism especially Picasso. He uses color like no one can. Thanks for sharing these awesome artists!
Very beautiful and informative. I can always appreciate art 🙂
Cheers!
JoAnna
I really love art! Cubism is so amazing!
I have always loved how this kind of art tells its own story.
Those are really cool.. i have never looked at them like that before.
I have never been to an art gallery but this small “taste” has whet my appetite!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow, what a great exhibit… Thank you for bringing me along on the tour…
Oh how I would love to visit this exhibition!
That is some fantastic art. I really like the quote at the beginning of the post.
I have always been interested in this type of art, what a great exhibition.
This looks like a wonderful exhibit. I was in NY a couple of weeks ago and visited MOMA.
This sounds like a wonderful exhibit. I was in NYC two weeks ago and went to MOMA. We love going to museums in New York.
this exhibit looks amazing. i definitely have to get to the Met to see it.
I actually never heard of cubism before but I really like it
Right up my alley! LOVE Picasso, he is my ultimate favorite. What great pieces of art.
What beautiful art! I love art, thanks for sharing.
Looks like a great museum to visit! Thanks for the great pictures.
I really am drawn to cubism. I am never sure why but the pictures do make you stop and stay for a while. I like that.
Wonderful! I agree. Because the image is often abstract with some human form or object included, it makes for a fascinating piece.
These artists were genius beyond their time. Their artworks looks timeless.
Yes and that is the beauty of art… always timeless, yet relevant.
Beautiful. I would love to see this in person.
Cubism at the MET? Be still my heart!
Maurene, you are funny!!! I should use that line next time I leave a comment on your sister’s blog. Haha! 🙂
That looks like one art exhibit I could actually enjoy! I am not usually one for art museums, but these pieces have such dimension.
You’d enjoy it too…
I have never been to the Met and this exhibit seems like a great reason for me to take a trip on the bus! I could get there, see the exhibit and be back before the kids get home from school
Absolutely and you won’t regret it. So much to see and do. You can pick a wing and explore for an hour or two.
Those are really great pieces of arts! I’d love one for our home! 😀
Me too Jo! I’d gladly take a Leger or a Gris home… 😉
I would love to spend a day there. I love art museums. So much to look at.
Cubism is way over my head. I don’t get the style at all!
Haha! I hear you… It falls into the realm of the abstract, but yes, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
I might need color but only a little. In the outside world I love it. But inside my home I like whites, creams, grays and blacks.
Beautiful! It’s my dream to visit the Met someday. I love going to museums. 🙂
HilLesha O’Nan
This is especially interesting to me because I studied French art in college. I find it all fascinating!
Gorgeous! I haven’t seen that many of Picasso’s works, but I’d like to. I did visit the Dali museum in Florida. I know he’s not technically a Cubist, but I believe he experimented with the style and some of his paintings reflect that. Actually, that Dali museum will be exhibiting some of Picasso’s work, starting next month.
I have never heard of this. It is definitely a creative way of looking at things.
This is a great article to read. I have to admit I was choking over Mr. Lauder’s billion dollar art donation. Can you even imagine??
What a great exhibit, I wish I lived closer so that I could check this out in person.
What an awesome exhibit. I wish I lived closer so that I could check this out in person.
If I ever get to NY City – I will definitely check out the Met – as a art major I could spend days in the museum. AMAZING works of art.
I haven’t been to the Met in quite some time but this looks like an exhibit I’d like to check out!
Absolutely stunning, from beginning to end. My last experience at the Met Museum was intense. I could spend entire days there easily. Thank you for sharing this exhibition.. I have a new reason to go back!
Very neat paintings. i havent been to a museum in years, but love art.
For what I seen on this post, I will have to stop by the MET soon. I haven’t been there in years.
Such a gorgeous painting. I would love to see this in person sometime! I love the colors that were chosen.
I happen to be flying out for NYC in the AM. I wonder if I can squeezer this in in between meetings?!?
Love those pieces! Gorgeous!
I’ve never been to an art museum, but out of all honesty I’ve always wanted to go to a show. I like the head of a woman. I know you are suppose to see the same thing but I’m sure to me it is totally different. Her head is in all different places and sizes I think because that’s what a woman is, we have to be pulled at different lengths at all time and still be the same person.
I love that museum, love anything in NYC!
I love going to museums. It’s always fun!
Thank you for this, I love this post! I studied Picasso intensely in high school art class.
Beautiful pieces. If I make it to NY over the holidays to visit family I’ll have to visit the exhibit.
Cool pictures. Some of them were easy for me to tell what they were before reading the description–some I couldn’t. I’d be interested in seeing some pieces like this in person.
Abstract drawings have always fascinated me in that I try to find some sense of direction in them. There are quite a few blogs that have them too. I have a friend that does it with colored water moves it around and takes pictures.
I’m not 100% certain on the various types of art; however, I was particularly drawn to several of these pieces. I think abstract is often something that catches my eye. Really cool.
Wow, 80 pieces. The artwork is simply stunning. I like that Head of a Woman
While Cubism isn’t my cup of tea, I can appreciate it. It looks like an amazing exhibit.
I hear you… The exhibition is awesome. 🙂
What a wonderful exhibit! I wish I could go see it!
I’ve always wanted to go to The Met, what an amazing museum!
I do hope you visit… It’s free to the public.
Oh lucky you – I wish we were closer to enjoy the Met more often! This is a wonderful exhibition and collection!
No worries. We will wait for you. 🙂
Looks a good place to go and amazing items .
I would love to view this exhibit. I might need to plan a trip to the Met.
I live in upstate NY and next time we go into NYC we will have to go to the MET and see this exhibit.
awesome exhibit .. thanks for sharing ..
beautiful pieces on that museum! I wish I can see that personally.
Come to NY and I’d gladly show you around.
Thank you for the ping-back!