The artwork “Armour” by Andre Masson, created in 1925, exemplifies the Cubist art movement and belongs to the genre of nude painting (nu). As a Cubist painting, “Armour” features an abstract representation of the human form, employing geometric shapes and fragmented visual planes to embody the subject.
In examining “Armour” it is evident that the human figure is depicted in a highly stylized and abstract manner. The use of curvilinear and angular shapes distorts the natural anatomy, reconfiguring it into a composition of interconnected forms. The palette seems to be relatively muted, with an emphasis on earthy tones that offer a sense of cohesion throughout the fragmented depiction. Shading and subtle color variations are used to create depth and to suggest the curvature of the figure amidst the abstract surroundings. The artwork refrains from providing a clear, realistic portrayal, challenging the viewer to decipher the human form amidst the cubist manipulation of space and structure.
