Décor Slav c. 1915

Henry Lyman Saÿen painted ‘Décor Slav’ using oil on canvas, yet the specific date remains unknown. The title intimates the artwork is a depiction of Slavic décor, an aesthetic choice that could have been influenced by the artist's background. Saÿen was born in Philadelphia, but had family ties to Poland, so this painting might reflect his exploration of his cultural heritage and how it connects with European avant-garde movements. The vibrant, Fauvist-inspired colors and simplified forms show the influence of modern art trends of the early 20th century. Given his familial background, he may have had an interest in non-Western art that was fashionable in Europe at the time. Art history is all about context. The more we can understand about the life of the artist, the cultural milieu, and the political dynamics of the time, the better we can appreciate the role of this piece within it.