Man with a Guitar

25 March 1909

“Cubic oddities” at the Salon des Indépendants

On seeing a painting by Braque at the Salon des Indépendants, Louis Vauxcelles spoke of “bizarreries cubiques” — “cubic oddities”.

1909–1912

Creates Cubism together with Picasso

From 1909 to 1912 (other accounts say from as early as 1908) Braque worked with Picasso on the theoretical foundations of Cubism and became one of the movement's founders; for many years their paintings of the period were indistinguishable. Braque likened their partnership to being roped together on a mountain.

summer 1911

Summer in Céret, side by side with Picasso

The summer of 1911 was decisive for Cubism: Braque and Picasso painted side by side in Céret in the French Pyrenees, and their canvases of that time are hard, sometimes virtually impossible, to tell apart.

1911

The word “Cubism” enters common use

The term “Cubism”, first used in 1911 of the artists showing at the Salon des Indépendants, quickly caught on, but Picasso and Braque did not adopt it at first.

1912

Invents papier collé

In 1912 Braque and Picasso began experimenting with collage, and Braque invented the technique of papier collé — pasted paper.

1914

Goes to war, ending the partnership with Picasso

Braque and Picasso worked closely together until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, when Braque enlisted in the French Army.