Study for Pacquebot ‘Paris’ c. 1921 - 1922

Charles Demuth's "Study for Pacquebot ‘Paris’" is a preliminary pencil sketch created between 1921 and 1922. The artwork captures the essence of a steamship, emphasizing the powerful verticality of its smokestack and the intricate network of lines that represent its structure. Demuth was known for his precisionist style, which celebrated the beauty of modern industrial forms, and this study showcases his keen eye for detail. The simplified lines and muted tones of the sketch create a sense of immediacy, suggesting the artist's rapid observation of the subject. The "Pacquebot ‘Paris’" was a French ocean liner, and Demuth's choice of subject highlights his fascination with the modern world and its technological advancements.