Cubism and the Trompe l'Oeil Tradition

This insightful exploration reveals how Cubism and the Trompe l'Oeil Tradition connects Cubist artists with the age-old practice of pictorial illusionism.

The book Cubism and the Trompe l'Oeil Tradition presents a groundbreaking exploration of how key figures in the Cubist movement—Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Juan Gris—interacted with the rich history of pictorial illusionism. Known as trompe l’oeil, or 'deceive the eye,' this artistic tradition utilizes visual techniques that challenge the viewer's understanding of reality versus fiction. Through a detailed examination, the authors reveal how these Cubist masters not only paid tribute to but also cleverly parodied the themes and motifs of classic trompe l’oeil, showcasing their innovative approaches to art.

Illustrated with over one hundred works, Cubism and the Trompe l'Oeil Tradition juxtaposes Cubist paintings, drawings, and collages with pieces from earlier masters, allowing readers to see the connections and influences that shaped this revolutionary art form. The essays included are grounded in new research, providing insights into the relationships between the Cubists and the trompe l’oeil artists of previous centuries. Each piece serves as a testament to the playful yet profound dialogue between these two artistic realms.

Furthermore, the book delves into the evolution of trompe l’oeil's status through the ages, highlighting Braque's artisanal training in these techniques as essential to his Cubist work. It also analyzes the materials used in Gris’s collages and uncovers the previously overlooked trompe l’oeil iconography found within Cubist still lifes, including elements such as newspapers, wordplay, and tools of the trade. This comprehensive study is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of these two influential artistic traditions.