20th Century Modern Art

Description

Simultaneous Contrasts: Sun and Moon, by Robert Delaunay, 1912.

Source: www.moma.org

Analyze

Interpret

Brightly colored celestial bodies that appear to be the moon and the sun are shown to be adjacent to one another.

I believe Delaunay was trying to communicate his fascination with how colors interact and his love for the natural world. Consequently, this work is considered to be apart of Orphism. Orpheus was a famous Greek musician and poet handy with the lyre. Therefore, it isn't surprising that this painting can be described as poetic.

Significant contrast between the dark shades of blue and the bright yellow and oranges.

The repetition of shapes and color unifies the painting.

The use of inventive shape displays the almost chaotic side of the sun and moon.

The fact that the painting is in a circle helps with the entire theme of the cosmos.