Lunar Web 1951

Lunar Web was painted by Lyonel Feininger using oil on canvas. The textures and tones are earthy, drawing from traditional art materials, and blending painting and drawing together. The canvas acts like a loom, layering a web of lines across the visual field. We can imagine Feininger carefully building up this composition, stroke by stroke, line by line, with the inherent qualities of oil paint bringing a particular weight and luminosity. Notice how the geometric forms appear fractured, almost as if seen through a shattered lens. The buildings take on the visual language of industry and hard labor. By building such a complex composition, Feininger blurs the boundaries of art and craft traditions, challenging us to see the world in new and unexpected ways. This focus on materials, making and context allows us to fully appreciate this artwork's meaning.