analytical cubism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized / Academic
Quick answer
What does “analytical cubism” mean?
The early phase of cubism (c. 1909–1912) characterized by breaking down and analyzing objects into geometric facets, often monochromatic and with overlapping, transparent planes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The early phase of cubism (c. 1909–1912) characterized by breaking down and analyzing objects into geometric facets, often monochromatic and with overlapping, transparent planes.
An art historical term describing a systematic, intellectual deconstruction of form to represent objects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, emphasizing structure over colour. Often contrasted with the later, more synthetic phase of cubism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK English may occasionally hyphenate as 'analytical cubism' more frequently.
Connotations
Neutral, technical, art-historical in both dialects.
Frequency
Exclusively used in art history, criticism, and education. Very low frequency in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “analytical cubism” in a Sentence
Analytical cubism + verb (is, represents, analyses, deconstructs)Artist + practised/developed + analytical cubismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “analytical cubism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The analytical cubist phase was remarkably brief but influential.
- He adopted an analytical-cubist approach to the still life.
American English
- Her dissertation focuses on the analytical cubist works of Braque.
- The gallery's analytical cubist collection is unparalleled.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Essential term in art history. 'Picasso's and Braque's analytical cubism radically challenged pictorial space.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise descriptor for artworks from c.1909-1912. 'The painting exhibits the muted tones and fragmented planes typical of analytical cubism.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “analytical cubism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “analytical cubism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “analytical cubism”
- Using it to mean any detailed or complex analysis (e.g., 'an analytical cubism of the market').
- Confusing it with 'abstract art' in general.
- Misspelling as 'analytic cubism' (less common but acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque are the principal pioneers. Juan Gris also produced significant works in this style.
Approximately 1909 to 1912. It is considered the first major phase of the cubist movement.
No. It is a proper noun referring specifically to an art historical movement. Using it metaphorically outside of art contexts is incorrect and confusing.
Picasso's 'Portrait of Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler' (1910) and Braque's 'The Portuguese' (1911) are often cited as canonical examples.
The early phase of cubism (c. 1909–1912) characterized by breaking down and analyzing objects into geometric facets, often monochromatic and with overlapping, transparent planes.
Analytical cubism is usually specialized / academic in register.
Analytical cubism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.əˈlɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈkjuː.bɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.əˈlɪd.ɪ.kəl ˈkjuː.bɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANALYtical = ANALYses the form into fragments.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING FROM ALL ANGLES; AN OBJECT IS A PUZZLE TO BE DISASSEMBLED.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes analytical cubism from synthetic cubism?