Sketches of Four Heads and a Child

Umberto Boccioni

Created:
Movement:
1907
Realism
key Notes:
Dynamic portraiture, early Futurist exploration
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Dimensions:
Plate: 17.9 × 28.8 cm (7 1/16 × 11 3/8 in.); Sheet: 34 × 48.5 cm (13 7/16 × 19 1/8 in.)
medium:
Etching on ivory wove paper
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

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Sketches of Four Heads and a Child by Umberto Boccioni

Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916) was a pivotal figure in the Italian Futurist movement, known for his dynamic compositions and exploration of movement and modernity. Created in 1907, Sketches of Four Heads and a Child is an etching on ivory wove paper that showcases Boccioni's early interest in capturing the human form and expression. This work predates his full immersion into Futurism, offering insight into his developmental phase as an artist. The etching reflects Boccioni's academic training and his gradual shift towards more avant-garde techniques. Although not as renowned as his later works, this piece contributes to understanding the evolution of his artistic style. Boccioni's influence extended beyond painting, as he also made significant contributions to sculpture and art theory, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century art.

Description of the work:

"Sketches of Four Heads and a Child" by Umberto Boccioni, created in 1907, is an etching on ivory wove paper that exemplifies the artist's early exploration of form and expression prior to his involvement with the Futurist movement. The artwork features a series of loosely rendered portraits, capturing the dynamism and emotional depth characteristic of Boccioni's evolving style during this period.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Sketches of Four Heads and a Child