A Landscape 1911 - 1924

Herbert Crowley created this landscape drawing sometime in the early twentieth century, but exactly when remains a mystery. The dreamlike scene, with its somber palette and foreboding tower, transports us to a space between reality and imagination. Crowley's work often explored themes of spirituality and the occult, reflecting the broader cultural fascination with mysticism that was prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We see this influence in the drawing’s enigmatic symbolism, which challenges conventional interpretations of nature. The artist was associated with the New York Dada movement, a group known for challenging traditional artistic values. Crowley's involvement in this avant-garde scene suggests a desire to question the established norms of art and society. To fully understand this piece, a historian might consider Crowley's personal biography, the intellectual currents of his time, and the institutions that supported or rejected his work. By delving into these historical contexts, we gain a richer appreciation for the complex interplay between art and society.