hartley1 Marsden Hartley (1877-1943)

The composition presents a dense arrangement of geometric forms and fragmented imagery, unified by a predominantly dark background. The artist employed a palette dominated by black, white, red, yellow, and green, applied with visible brushstrokes that contribute to the works textural complexity.
Several circular motifs are prominent; some appear as complete discs, while others are broken or partially obscured by intersecting lines and shapes. Within these circles, recognizable symbols emerge: a red cross and what appears to be an iron cross, both rendered in simplified form. These emblems are positioned amidst a chaotic interplay of vertical and diagonal lines, creating a sense of dynamism and visual tension.
The overall effect is one of fractured perception and symbolic layering. The juxtaposition of the red cross – traditionally associated with humanitarian aid and neutrality – alongside the iron cross – historically linked to military orders and conflict – introduces an immediate ambiguity. This pairing suggests a potential commentary on war, ideology, or perhaps the complex relationship between compassion and aggression.
The fragmented nature of the imagery prevents any clear narrative from emerging; instead, the viewer is confronted with a collection of disparate elements that resist easy interpretation. The dark background serves to intensify this sense of mystery, allowing the brightly colored shapes and symbols to stand out in stark relief. It’s possible to read the work as an exploration of visual disruption, where familiar signs are deconstructed and reassembled into a new, unsettling configuration.
The artists deliberate avoidance of perspective or spatial depth further contributes to the painting’s abstract quality, emphasizing the symbolic weight of the individual elements over any illusionistic representation of reality.