Early Influences:
* Impressionism: Delaunay was initially drawn to the vibrant colors and emphasis on light and atmosphere found in Impressionist art.
* Fauvism: The bold use of color and expressive brushwork of Fauvism also had a significant impact on his early work.
* Neo-Impressionism: Delaunay was particularly influenced by the pointillist techniques of Georges Seurat, which he incorporated into his early paintings.
Key Inspirations:
* Cubism: Delaunay's most profound influence came from Cubism, particularly the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. He was fascinated by their geometric forms, fragmentation of space, and exploration of multiple perspectives.
* Orphism: Delaunay himself coined the term "Orphism" to describe his unique style of abstract art, characterized by vibrant colors, geometric forms, and a focus on light and color. He believed that color was an independent element, capable of creating its own visual language.
* Simultaneity: Delaunay was interested in the concept of simultaneity, inspired by the writings of Marcel Proust and the work of Futurism. He aimed to capture the dynamism and speed of modern life in his paintings, often using overlapping planes and shifting perspectives to create a sense of movement.
Other Influences:
* Music: Delaunay was a passionate music lover and was inspired by the work of composers like Igor Stravinsky and Maurice Ravel. He believed that music and painting shared a similar language of form and color.
* Nature: While Delaunay's work became increasingly abstract, he continued to draw inspiration from nature, especially the colors and patterns found in flowers, landscapes, and the sky.
In summary, Robert Delaunay was a multifaceted artist who drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, ultimately developing his own unique style of Orphism that combined elements of Cubism, Fauvism, and Neo-Impressionism. He was fascinated by the interplay of light, color, and form, and sought to capture the dynamism and beauty of the modern world in his art.