Library in the House of da Silva (set design for Uriel Acosta) 1922

This is Nathan Altman's set design for "Library in the House of da Silva," created with gouache and ink on paper. The composition is striking: geometric forms dominate, rendered in a palette of blacks, whites, reds and muted blues. These shapes create a disorienting yet intriguing space, typical of Altman's constructivist approach. The architectural elements such as the stylized window and imposing archway, appear as if deconstructed. They hint at familiar structures without fully resolving into them. This interplay of abstraction and representation reflects the broader concerns of the avant-garde in destabilizing conventional modes of perception and representation. Consider how Altman uses color and line to disrupt spatial coherence, inviting us to question fixed meanings and embrace the dynamic possibilities of form. It's a powerful reminder that art isn't just about replicating reality, but about challenging our understanding of it through innovative visual language.