This abstract piece toys with repetitive motifs that vary ever so slightly. Four white, rectangular figures arranged in a square formation appear as geometrically altered birds. They fly amidst a soft blue background consisting of perpendicular strokes that relay a textured effect. Grey, shadowlike figures rest immediately behind each white form, providing a striking yet subtle color contrast. Based on the title Le tir à l'arc (The Archery), the viewer may surmise that these abstract figures are indeed birds flitting through the sky, serving as targets for the archers nearby.
Created in 1960, this original color lithograph is from the illustrated book Le tir à l'arc. This work is hand-signed by Georges Braque (Argenteuil, Val-d'Oise, 1882 - Paris, 1963) in pencil in the lower right margin and numbered from the edition of 70 in pencil in the lower left margin; published by Louis Broder, Paris and printed on chine colle.
