Dynamic Hieroglyphic of the Bal Tabarin

Gino Severini · 1912

This one's called Dynamic Hieroglyphic of the Bal Tabarin, painted by Gino Severini in nineteen twelve. He was living in Paris and took its nightlife as his subject. Look closely and there are sequins mixed into the paint — the Futurists were happy to use whatever material got the sensation across.

Medium Oil on canvas with sequins · Dimensions 63 5/8 x 61 1/2" (161.6 x 156.2 cm) · Credit Acquired through the Lillie P. Bliss Bequest (by exchange)

Hanging beside it in Gallery 503: Still Life Synchromy, Visual Synthesis of the Idea: "War"

Works like this one elsewhere in the museum: Untitled from Reason of Sleep, Patchwork Quilt, The Conjur Woman, Carolina Blue, Merz Picture 32 A. The Cherry Picture (Merzbild 32 A. Das Kirschbild), Notes 4 (C. I. A. Brand Bananas)

More by Gino Severini here: Visual Synthesis of the Idea: "War", Armored Train in Action