Artillery
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
| Location History: | The painting was owned by the Danish collector Christian Tetzen-Lund from at least 1916 to 1917 before entering a private collection in Sweden by 1922. By 1931, it had become part of the Bignou Gallery's collection in Paris and New York, where it remained until 1943. Between 1938 and 1939, it was placed on consignment with Alex Reid & Lefevre Ltd. in London. On 24 May 1943, the painting was sold by the Bignou Gallery to Samuel and Florene Marx of Chicago for $8,000. Following Samuel Marx's death in 1964, ownership passed to Florene May Marx, later Mrs. Wolfgang Schoenborn, in New York. In 1991, she donated the painting to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is now part of the museum's permanent collection. |
“Artillery” is one of the masterpieces created by Roger de La Fresnaye. It is a fine example of Fresnaye’s employment of Cubism. Cubism is a modern art style where all forms depicted in the painting are reduced to their geometric core. Fresnaye’s painting “Artillery” is a strong reflection of his association with the Cubist movement. Even Futurism, another modern art style of the time, is reflected in the dynamic and fragmented forms depicted in the painting. The painting depicts artillery officers on horseback accompanying an ammunition wagon carrying a field gun and soldiers. Furthermore, a military band in red and blue uniforms is seen holding the French flag. This adds a sense of patriotic fervour to the painting. It is interesting to note that this painting was completed three years prior to the outbreak of the First World War, thereby indicating to be somewhat prophetic in nature. Elements of the Expressionism movement are also seen in Fresnaye’s use of colours and curving lines. Fresnaye’s depiction of this military parade with its shadowy borders is commendable. Motion and sound is echoed through this painting. This is a rare quality characterising a painting where the viewers can visualise the movements and hear the sounds as they immerse themselves in the artwork. His exemplary knowledge of geometry and experimentation with art is well reflected in this artwork. This painting shows Fresnaye’s willingness to try new techniques and bring further innovation in the world of painting.