Untitled (Ballerina) 1915

Francesco Cangiullo drew this Ballerina with ink on paper, although the exact date is unknown. It’s a very simple line drawing, but its bold graphic style speaks volumes about the artist's involvement in Italian Futurism. Active in Italy during the first half of the twentieth century, the Futurists sought to sweep away old cultural traditions, and glorified the dynamism of modern technology and urban life. Although known for its aggressive and sometimes nationalistic manifestos, Futurism also included visual artists and poets such as Cangiullo. Consider how this drawing represents an attempt to capture motion and energy in an efficient, modern way. Instead of trying to recreate realistic appearances, Cangiullo has captured the essence of a ballet dancer. To learn more about this piece, you could explore manifestos from the Futurist movement, and accounts of the Ballets Russes’ influence on the Italian art scene.