Florence 1915

Aleksandra Ekster captured the essence of "Florence" through oil on canvas, using the Cubo-Futurist style. Ekster was a key figure in the Russian avant-garde and this dynamic painting merges the fragmented forms of Cubism with the speed and energy of Futurism, creating a vibrant, modern vision of the Italian city. Look at the fractured planes and bold colors that evoke the architectural landmarks of Florence, such as the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. Painted in the early 20th century, this work reflects the era's fascination with industrialization and urban life and it challenges the traditional, academic approach to landscape painting. Ekster's "Florence" not only captures the visual appearance of the city, but also the sensation of experiencing it as a rapidly changing, modern metropolis. To understand this artwork more fully, it's helpful to explore the history of Cubo-Futurism, the artistic networks that connected Russian and Italian artists, and the broader cultural context of early 20th-century Europe.