Who coined the term Cubism after hearing Matisse refer to Braque's painting as 'little cubes'?

Who coined the term Cubism after hearing Matisse refer to Braque's painting as 'little cubes'?

• A. Louis Vauxcelles
• B. Picasso
• C. Braque
• D. Matisse

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is who first gave the movement its name. Louis Vauxcelles is the best answer because he popularized the term Cubism in 1908 after hearing Matisse describe Braque’s painting as composed of “little cubes.” As a prominent Paris critic, Vauxcelles used that remark to label Braque and Picasso’s geometric, fragmented approach, and the name caught on. The others were central artists within the movement, but none of them coined the term, and Matisse didn’t coin it either.

The idea being tested is who first gave the movement its name. Louis Vauxcelles is the best answer because he popularized the term Cubism in 1908 after hearing Matisse describe Braque’s painting as composed of “little cubes.” As a prominent Paris critic, Vauxcelles used that remark to label Braque and Picasso’s geometric, fragmented approach, and the name caught on. The others were central artists within the movement, but none of them coined the term, and Matisse didn’t coin it either.