Still Life, No. 1 1912

Marsden Hartley’s 1912 “Still Life, No. 1” displays the artist’s exploration of modernist aesthetics. The painting, with its bold colors and simplified forms, departs from traditional still life conventions. The vibrant oranges and patterned fabrics, set against a dark background, create a sense of dynamism and flatness, characteristic of early 20th-century artistic movements. The painting showcases Hartley's interest in geometric abstraction and his innovative approach to representing everyday objects. This piece, along with others from this period, marked a significant shift in Hartley's artistic style and contributed to the evolution of modern art.