Hommage a J.S. Bach, 1946-56

This image is an original etching based off a Cubist painting by Georges Braque.

In this quintessential example of Braque's Cubist style, he pays tribute to famed composer J.S. Bach. This piece is remarkable for Braque's ability to depict a visual representation of music; we glimpse segments of musical instruments effortlessly and harmoniously arranged within a geometric order. Just below the center of the work the letters 'BACH JS' reveal to the viewer what the artist is illustrating, a visual interpretation of the beauty and splendor of classical music. Composed primarily in natural earth tones of brown, yellow, black, tan and grey, the linear dissection of the page appears like music notes on a scale at varying heights, lengths and tones in a unified composition. The painterly quality of the work adds a richness of depth and texture, giving the viewer a visual sense of the layered effect sound can create when it is a masterpiece. Pieces of musical instruments are revealed as one looks closely at the work, at the right a curved end of a stringed instrument makes us wonder if it could be a violin or a cello and from what musical work the artist was inspired by. The 'S' curves at the center of the image appear to be a continuation of the same instrument, with hints of the base and strings dispersed nearby. At the center, Braque (Argenteuil-sur-Seine, 1882- Paris, 1963) uses deeper tones of brown and grey, and as the work expands out the edges of the page he uses lighter and brighter hues, giving a sense of lightness to the image.

Concordia College Art Collection

Acquired on 3.1.2013
Added to the data base in 2019

To order a high resolution digital file of this image, inquire about permission, or for information on prices, contact Heidi Goldberg at Goldberg@cord.edu or 218-299-4624.

Hvidsten Music Building room 134

Image: 17 5/16 x 23 ¼ inches
Framed: 31 ½ x 37 inches