Study for "The Well" 1916

Morton Schamberg's 1916 "Study for 'The Well'" is a preparatory drawing for his 1916 oil painting of the same name. The drawing depicts a machine-like contraption that seems to be pumping water. The work exemplifies Schamberg's interest in the emerging industrial world and its impact on American culture. He often incorporated industrial elements into his art, exploring the beauty and utility of modern machinery. This study, executed in pencil, is characteristic of his detailed draftsmanship and geometric forms, emphasizing the structural aspect of the machine, before moving onto the final oil painting.