Cubist Composition 1918

María Blanchard created this Cubist Composition with oil paint, probably in the 1910s or 20s. Like other Cubists, Blanchard uses geometric forms to represent objects and figures from multiple perspectives simultaneously. Cubism developed in France, with its roots in the avant-garde art scene of early 20th century Paris. Spanish artists living in Paris, like Blanchard, were important contributors. Here, a violin and a newspaper are discernible. Notice how the letters ‘LAP’ hint at the word ‘Le Populaire’, which was the name of a socialist newspaper that began publishing in 1916. The inclusion of such an item suggests Blanchard’s awareness of the political issues and movements swirling in French society at the time. Cubism was associated with modernism and forward-thinking ideas, and it was displayed in new kinds of galleries and exhibitions that broke from the traditional art institutions. To understand this painting better, you could read about the history of Cubism or research the types of political ideas that were circulating among artists in France. These contexts shape how we understand the painting's meaning today.