The artwork “Landscape at La Ciotat” was created by Georges Braque in 1907, during a period in which the artist was influenced by the Fauvism movement. This oil on canvas masterpiece, with dimensions of 71.1 x 59.7 cm, is a vibrant representation of a landscape genre that encapsulates the bold color and brushwork characteristic of Fauvism. Currently, the artwork is housed in the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The painting presents a dynamic and spirited view of a landscape, featuring an array of vivid, non-naturalistic colors and bold brushstrokes that are hallmarks of Fauvist works. Braque explores a daring approach to color, using reds, yellows, blues, and greens in a manner that departs from accurate color representation to emphasize the emotional expression. The trees, which dominate the composition, have starkly outlined trunks that stretch upwards, intersecting with an emphatically yellow sky. The abstraction and the color distortions demonstrate Braque’s departure from traditional landscape painting and foreshadow his later developments toward Cubism. This piece is a testament to the transitional period in Braque’s career, moving from Impressionism, through his exploration of Fauvism, and towards his pivotal role in the development of Cubism.
