Musical Theme (Oriental Symphony) 1913

'Musical Theme (Oriental Symphony)' is an abstract painting by Marsden Hartley, though undated, it’s likely from around 1912-13. Hartley, an American modernist, was deeply influenced by his travels and spiritual explorations. This painting emerges from a time when artists sought to express inner emotions and subjective experiences through abstraction. Hartley, who was part of the avant-garde circles, often drew on personal experiences. His identity as a gay man in the early 20th century, a period of intense social repression, deeply informed his artistic vision. The 'Oriental' in the title reflects the early 20th-century fascination with non-Western cultures, however, it's a term fraught with colonial undertones. Hartley’s work invites us to consider how personal identity intersects with cultural appropriation, transforming individual experiences into universal themes. The emotional intensity of the colors and forms creates a deeply personal and evocative atmosphere.