Le Piège de Méduse (The Ruse of Medusa)

Le Piège de Méduse (The Ruse of Medusa) by Georges Braque is a significant example of early 20th-century French graphic arts. Completed in 1921, the work takes the form of an illustrated book, a medium the artist occasionally utilized alongside his extensive painting practice. The specific execution involved the creation of three detailed woodcuts, a technique showcasing the precision and stark contrasts inherent in this printing method.

The creation of livres d'artiste, or fine arts illustrated books, was an important facet of the Parisian art world in the 1920s, connecting seminal visual artists like Braque with contemporary poets and writers. This period saw Braque moving slightly beyond the rigid analytical phase of Cubism, allowing for a renewed emphasis on classicism and mythic themes, even in works intended for publication. The austerity of the woodcut process suited the artist's preference for simple, direct lines and geometric structure, distinguishing these powerful illustrations from his contemporaneous paintings. As an illustrated book, the sequence of images complements the narrative text, further cementing the significance of fine arts volumes in the 1920s Parisian milieu.

The medium itself highlights Braque's dexterity, proving his mastery not only of oil and collage but also of high-contrast, linear techniques required for successful prints. For collectors and scholars interested in the evolution of French Modernism, this illustrated book remains a vital example of the artist’s post-Cubist output. Classified as an illustrated book within the Museum of Modern Art collection, Le Piège de Méduse preserves the unique synthesis of text and image achieved by Braque during this fertile year of 1921.