art 852 Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916)

The artwork presents a landscape rendered in a highly expressive and abstracted style. Here we observe a dense composition dominated by vibrant, non-naturalistic colors – predominantly yellows, reds, blues, and greens – applied with energetic brushstrokes or possibly crayon. The forms are not clearly delineated; instead, they merge and overlap, creating a sense of visual turbulence.
The lower portion of the scene appears to be a chaotic interplay of red and yellow hues, suggesting perhaps a field or dense vegetation viewed from above. Above this, a band of blue emerges, acting as a transitional zone before leading to a more defined horizon line. The upper section is characterized by a darker palette – predominantly greens and browns – which could represent a forested area or distant hills. Vertical strokes punctuate the upper portion, hinting at trees or perhaps architectural elements, though their precise nature remains ambiguous.
The lack of traditional perspective and the distortion of forms contribute to an overall feeling of emotional intensity rather than realistic representation. The colors are not used descriptively but instead seem intended to convey a subjective experience – possibly anxiety, excitement, or overwhelming sensory input.
Subtly, there is a sense of upward movement within the composition, as if the viewers gaze is being drawn towards the horizon. However, this ascent is disrupted by the chaotic nature of the foreground and the dense layering of color, preventing any feeling of tranquility or resolution. The work seems to explore the relationship between perception and reality, suggesting that what we see is filtered through our emotional state. It’s a landscape not so much depicted as felt.