In 1912, the term Orphism was first used by poet Guillaume Apollinaire to describe the paintings of Robert Delaunay. The term was derived from Greek mythology, referencing the poet and musician Orpheus. Also called Orphic Cubism, Delaunay’s work contains elements of a Cubist style. Aiming to appeal to the senses, the style employed overlapping planes of contrasting colors. The color combinations were based on the "law of simultaneous contrast of colors," developed by French chemist, Michel-Eugene Chevreul in the 19th century. In addition to Delaunay’s artist wife, Sonia, other artists in the circle included Marcel Duchamp, Fernand Leger, Francis Picabia, and Franz Kupka. The Orphist group ended at the onset of World War I, but had significant influence on the development of later abstract art movements.

Artists: (biography & artworks) Related Paintings Reproductions

Delaunay, Sonia - 1885 - 1979
Delaunay, Robert - 1885 - 1941
Moilliet, Louis - 1880 - 1962
Delaunay, Sonia - 1885 - 1979
Delaunay, Robert - 1885 - 1941
Moilliet, Louis - 1880 - 1962