Four foxes 1913

Franz Marc made this watercolor painting, Four Foxes, in Germany at some point before his death in 1916. In his work, Marc was interested in representing animals as creatures with a spiritual connection to nature. His style was linked to the Expressionist movement, and he helped found Der Blaue Reiter, a group that wanted to overturn academic traditions. The fragmented forms, sharp angles, and vibrant colors reflect the influence of modern art movements, especially Cubism and Futurism. The painting challenges traditional notions of representation, suggesting a world seen through the animal's perspective, with an emphasis on instinct. To understand the social and cultural context of this piece, we can look to the writings of art critics at the time. We might also consider the ways in which animals were being understood in relation to evolutionary and ecological science. By considering the artistic and intellectual networks in which Marc was active, we get a richer picture of this art.