The Tower
Robert Delaunay
French, 1885–1941
1911, dated 1910
An ink-and-pencil on paper study of the Eiffel Tower in which Delaunay breaks the landmark into angular planes and vigorous linework to convey structure and movement.
On first sight the tower seems to vibrate—its iron lattice sliced into intersecting facets, dense cross-hatching and leaning buildings push the composition into a swirling, kinetic cityscape.
Executed at the dawn of Cubism and Futurism, the drawing turns a familiar Parisian icon into a modern, machine-like form and points toward Delaunay's later experiments in simultaneity and abstract color.
Medium
Ink and pencil on paper
Dimensions
21 1/4 x 19 1/4" (53.9 x 48.9 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Fund
Accession
235.1935
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
