Purism

Purism, an art style developed in France around 1918, is a variant of Cubism, conceptualized by painter Amédée Ozenfant and architect-painter Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret). This movement, emerging as a response to Cubism, is characterized by its focus on rationality and scientific principles in art creation. Purist artists aimed to depict objects in their basic geometric forms, emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and order. They rejected the decorative tendencies of Cubism, favoring mathematically-designed compositions of ideal forms. The art of Purism is marked by precise, clear edges and subdued colors, emphasizing the objects' shapes without creating decorative distractions.

A notable example of Purism is Charles Edouard Jeanneret's "Still Life" (1920), housed in MoMA. This painting exemplifies the Purist approach with its depiction of everyday objects simplified into geometric shapes, arranged in a harmonious balance and stripped of extraneous details. Similarly, Amédée Ozenfant's "Still Life with Bottles" (1922) reflects the Purist style's emphasis on pure, economical forms evolved through mechanical selection and refinement.

Purism played a significant role in the evolution of modern art following Cubism. Its influence extends beyond paintings to architecture, as evidenced in the works of Le Corbusier, who applied Purist principles to his architectural designs.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, understanding the Purism art style offers insight into a critical period of artistic transition in the early 20th century. Those interested in exploring more about Purism and its impact on modern art and architecture are encouraged to sign up for updates. This subscription will keep you informed about new product sales and auction events related to Purism, providing valuable information for both enthusiasts and professionals in the field.