1925, Marcel Gromaire, La Guerre (The War) -- Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris
From the museum label: Like many artists who experienced World War I first-hand, Marcel Gromaire depicts the hell of the trenches here. When he submitted this picture to the Salon des indépendants of 1825, the young painter was hailed by the critics. The five French soldiers, constrained by sky-blue uniforms that barely reveal their expressionless faces, are reduced to lifeless forms, as though "petrified" by anguished waiting. A pointillé treatment of the myriad blue tones contributes to the cold and leaden atmosphere, while tubular and spherical forms recalling the works of Fernand Léger. Gromaire emphasizes the dehumanizing aspect of the First World War.
1925, Marcel Gromaire, La Guerre (The War) -- Musee d'Art Moderne de Paris
From the museum label: Like many artists who experienced World War I first-hand, Marcel Gromaire depicts the hell of the trenches here. When he submitted this picture to the Salon des indépendants of 1825, the young painter was hailed by the critics. The five French soldiers, constrained by sky-blue uniforms that barely reveal their expressionless faces, are reduced to lifeless forms, as though "petrified" by anguished waiting. A pointillé treatment of the myriad blue tones contributes to the cold and leaden atmosphere, while tubular and spherical forms recalling the works of Fernand Léger. Gromaire emphasizes the dehumanizing aspect of the First World War.