Art Term

Orphism

Orphism was an abstract, cubist influenced painting style developed by Robert and Sonia Delaunay around 1912

Robert Delaunay
Endless Rhythm (1934)
Tate

Image released under

License this image

In the Delaunays’ work patches of subtle and beautiful colour are brought together to create harmonious compositions.

The term, sometimes called orphic cubism, was coined around 1912–13 by the French poet and art critic Guillaume Apollinaire and used to distinguish their work from cubism generally. The name comes from the legendary ancient Greek poet and musician Orpheus. Its use by Apollinaire relates to the idea that painting should be like music, which was an important element in the development of abstract art. Robert Delaunay himself used the term simultanism to describe his work.

explore this term

selected artists in the collection

orphism at tate

Artwork
Close