Biography

1885

Born on 14 November in Gradischsk (now Ukraine) as Sophia Ilinitchna Stern

ca. 1903

Studied art in Saint Petersburg and at the Academy of Arts in Karlsruhe

1904

Moved to Paris, began contact with the French avant-garde

1908

Married art dealer Wilhelm Uhde, who introduced her to the Paris art world

1910

Married artist Robert Delaunay; joint artistic work and development of Orphism

1912–1913

Development of Orphism together with Robert Delaunay, characterised by bright colours and abstract forms

1913

Participation in the Salon d'Automne in Paris, first public recognition

1914–1918

During the First World War, fled to Spain with Robert Delaunay; extensive travels there, painting still lifes and market scenes, and working as an interior designer in Madrid

1920

Return to Paris; continued work on design objects

1923

Began working with fabrics and textiles

1925

Founded her own company, Boutique Simultanée; participated in the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes

1930s

Gained international renown; collaborated with department stores in New York and designed film costumes

1941

Death of Robert Delaunay; collaboration with Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Jean Arp

1940s–1970s

Expansion of work to include stage design and costumes