Cubism was a revolutionary art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, with significant contributions from Juan Gris and others. It is considered one of the most influential movements in the history of art, marking a radical departure from traditional modes of representation and paving the way for modern art.

Cubism sought to depict the three-dimensional world in a new way, challenging conventional notions of space, form, and perspective. Instead of portraying objects from a single viewpoint, as in traditional Western art, Cubist artists fragmented and reassembled their subjects, presenting multiple viewpoints simultaneously within a single composition.

Key characteristics of Cubism include:

1. Geometric Forms: Cubist artworks often feature geometric shapes such as cubes, cones, and cylinders, which are used to deconstruct and abstract the subject matter.
2. Fragmentation: Objects and figures are fragmented and depicted from multiple angles, resulting in fractured, faceted forms that challenge the viewer’s perception.
3. Analytical Cubism: The initial phase of Cubism, characterized by the deconstruction of forms into geometric shapes and the exploration of space and volume. Artists such as Picasso and Braque pioneered this approach, creating intricate compositions that emphasized the flatness of the picture plane.
4. Synthetic Cubism: A later phase of Cubism, marked by the incorporation of collage elements, text, and other materials into the artwork. This phase introduced a greater sense of depth and texture, as well as a playful juxtaposition of different visual elements.

Cubism had a profound impact on subsequent art movements, including Futurism, Constructivism, and Surrealism, and its influence can be seen in various forms of modern and contemporary art. By breaking down the conventions of representation and challenging traditional artistic norms, Cubism revolutionized the way artists approached the depiction of reality, opening up new possibilities for artistic expression and experimentation.