Braque was an eminent painter as well as sculptor, printmaker, collagist and draughtsman.
Braque's early paintings were impressionistic and fauvistic, and by 1908 they started to reflect his interest in geometry and the effect of light and perspective.
A contemporary of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), who painted in a similar style, Braque was overshadowed by the more famous and extroverted artist.
Braque was inspired by Paul Cézanne (1839-1906), and along with Picasso was a co-pioneer of Cubism, the influential avant-garde art movement that revolutionised the European art world in the early 20th century.
This 1906 oil on canvas cityscape painting is a vibrant depiction of the southern French fishing port L'Estaque, located north west of the Bay of Marseilles.
This town has historically provided inspiration to numerous artists due to its colourful buildings and inspired several of Braque's paintings. Painted shortly after Cézanne's demise, this painting is a classic example of Fauvism (French for 'the wild beasts').
Fauvism, a subcategory of Expressionism, was a small movement that lasted from 1904 to 1908, and is epitomised by the use of bold colours and fervent erratic brush strokes to express the feelings invoked by nature. Braque was a fervent believer in an artist's experience of beauty via volume, mass and line.
Braque's early interest in the Fauvist style was inspired by Henri Matisse (1869-1954) and André Derain (1880-1954). This painting is an early example of Braque's initial interest in landscapes, before he progressed to painting more abstract still life objects.
Although not as well known as his contemporaries, Braque's work is exhibited at most major museums worldwide. By the time of his death he was considered one of the elder statesmen of the 'School of Paris' group of artists.
A lasting testament to his wide ranging artistic skills is presented by his final resting place, a church in Normandy whose very own windows he designed.
