From "Le tir à l'arc" Possibly 1960

Georges Braque made this print, "From 'Le tir à l'arc'," using lithography, a process where an image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then printed. The flat, bold colors and simplified forms typical of Braque's style show a deep engagement with materiality. The stone’s surface allows for rich textures. You can see how the ink sits on the paper, especially in the velvety blue. Notice, too, the slightly granular texture of the silver band. This isn't just about depicting an image; it's about celebrating the qualities of the materials themselves. Lithography, with its roots in commercial printing, was a way to democratize art, making it more accessible. Yet, it also required skilled labor, a collaboration between artist and printer. By embracing this process, Braque blurred the lines between high art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the beauty inherent in both.