Cubism began in 1907. The Cubists owed much of their quick success to over 50 years of art challenges. They had obtained much of their inspiration from the Post-Impressionism.

They particularly admired the Post-Impressionist Suerat, for his careful and intellectual approach. The Cubists also appreciated the primitive work of Postimpressionist Paul Gauguin (as seen right). Gauguin had been an advocate for primitive artwork. Paul Gauguin challenged artists to seek out abnormal and primitive objects that could be used for inspiration. As a result of their influence, the Cubists began to incorporate new objects into their paintings.

The Cubists also admired the work of Paul Cezanne. For the Cubists, Paul Cezanne's work was considered the most stylistically and thematically correct. In some way or fashion, the Cubists eventually studied the work of Paul Cezanne, and examined his use of structural form. However, Cubism encompassed a style unique and original to themselves, and gave an enormous amount of new ideas for artists to draw from.

By 1907, a new collaboration between the two young artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque was beginning. Picasso had already obtained a reputation for living the bohemian lifestyle. He was regarded among the public as an excellent, creative, and individual artist. By the young age of 27, Picasso had earned a great amount of respect as an artist. Many art collectors, including Vollard, bought many of Picasso's Pink and Blue periods. Georges Braque, however, was less well known at this time. But despite his lack of exposure, Picasso admired Braque's artistic ability, and the two painted together on many occasions.

Throughout the history of Cubism, many changes came and went. During the early Cubist years, Picasso and Braque painted mostly still lives in their analytical period. Over the years the artists would entertain new ideas. Around 1911, Picasso and Braque entered their Synthetic period. By the end of 1914, Picasso and Braque started to fade away from Cubism, and other artists like legar, and Juan Gris began to embrace it.