The Street Pavers

Umberto Boccioni

Created:
Movement:
1914
Futurism
key Notes:
Futurist dynamism, Urban labor
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Dimensions:
39 3/8 × 39 3/8 in. (100 × 100 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"The Street Pavers" is a painting by Italian Futurist artist Umberto Boccioni, created in 1914. The work exemplifies the Futurist movement's emphasis on dynamism, movement, and the modern urban experience. It depicts laborers engaged in the act of paving a street, capturing the energy and rhythm of industrial life. Boccioni's use of bold colors and fragmented forms reflects the influence of Cubism while also conveying a sense of speed and urgency. The painting is notable for its exploration of the relationship between humans and their environment, highlighting the transformative power of modernity. "The Street Pavers" is part of Boccioni's broader exploration of the themes of motion and the vitality of contemporary life. The current location of the painting is unknown.

Description of the work:

"The Street Pavers" by Umberto Boccioni, created in 1914, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's exploration of movement and modernity. The composition features dynamic figures engaged in the act of paving a street, rendered with a sense of urgency and energy. Boccioni employs bold, sweeping brushstrokes that convey a sense of motion, while the use of vibrant colors enhances the overall dynamism of the scene. The figures are depicted in a fragmented manner, reflecting the influence of Futurism, which emphasizes the interplay between form and movement. The background is characterized by abstracted architectural elements, further emphasizing the urban environment. The painting captures the essence of modern life and the transformative power of industrialization, showcasing Boccioni's innovative approach to representation.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Street Pavers