#19376 Marsden Hartley (1877-1943)

The painting presents a striking visual contrast: a vibrant red crustacean dominates against a deep black background. The artist depicted what appears to be a lobster, though its form is rendered in a simplified, almost abstracted manner. Sharp angles and bold lines define the creature’s claws, tail segments, and body, eschewing detailed anatomical accuracy for an emphasis on shape and volume.
The intense red hue of the subject immediately draws attention, creating a sense of urgency or even alarm. This color choice could be interpreted as symbolic – perhaps representing passion, aggression, or danger. The stark black backdrop intensifies this effect, isolating the lobster and amplifying its visual impact. It creates an atmosphere of mystery and confinement.
The composition is deliberately unbalanced; the creature occupies most of the canvas, leaning slightly towards the viewer. This positioning contributes to a feeling of immediacy and perhaps even threat. Theres a sense of dynamism despite the stillness of the subject matter.
Subtly, the painting evokes feelings beyond a simple depiction of marine life. The reduction of form suggests an exploration of primal instincts or raw biological power. The artist’s choice to portray this creature in such a direct and unadorned way might be intended to provoke a visceral reaction from the viewer, bypassing intellectual analysis and engaging with something more fundamental. Its possible that the work explores themes of vulnerability and survival within a hostile environment, using the lobster as a potent symbol. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty – a strange combination of familiarity and alienation.