Orphism: The Modern Art Movement Explained
In 1912, art critic and poet Guillaume Apollinaire encountered Robert Delaunay's canvases of swirling, colorful, largely non-representational shapes. He connected them to the Ancient Greek singer Orpheus and the Mystery Cult Orphism, which believed music had otherworldly powers. Apollinaire co-opted the term Orphism to describe how Delaunay and others borrowed from music and science to inject sensations into paintings, paving the way for abstract art. An Orphic canvas is characterized by pane.
Key facts
- Guillaume Apollinaire first encountered Robert Delaunay's canvases in 1912.
- The canvases featured swirling, colorful, largely non-representational shapes.
- Apollinaire connected the works to the Ancient Greek singer Orpheus.
- The Mystery Cult Orphism believed Orpheus used music to enter the underworld.
- Music was thought to have otherworldly powers and could enhance other art forms.
- Apollinaire coined the term Orphism to describe Delaunay and like-minded artists.
- Orphism borrowed elements from music and science to inject sensations into paintings.
- The movement helped pave the way for abstract art.