Ulysses 1947

"Ulysses" (1947) by American Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell is a powerful example of his "Elegies to the Spanish Republic" series. The work features bold, gestural brushstrokes and stark black and white forms, juxtaposed against a background of rich colors. The fragmented shapes and contrasting tones evoke a sense of emotional intensity and loss, referencing the tragic events of the Spanish Civil War. The canvas's rough texture and visible cracks add to the raw, unpolished aesthetic, reflecting Motherwell's exploration of themes of death, memory, and the fragility of human existence.