Though influenced by European sensibilities, Precisionism is indigenous to the United States.
European Precursors
Robert Delaunay, La ville no.
However, it was heavily shaped by two European movements:CubismandFuturism.
Charles DeMuth, “Modern Conveniences,” 1921
Pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque,Cubismmade its debut in 1907.
Precisionists adapted this simplified approach to form.
Futurismemerged in Italy in the early 20th century.
Robert Delaunay, “La ville no. 2,” 1910 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
Towering skyscrapers, urban factories, and modern machinery are among the industrial concepts explored by the Precisionists.
Often, these subjects were abstracted, culminating in simplified compositions rendered in minimal detail and geometric forms.
Every age manifests itself by some external evidence, he explained.
Charles Demuth, “Aucassin and Nicolette,” 1921 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
The artist’s world is limitless, he said.
It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away.
It is always on his doorstep.
Charles Demuth, “I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold,” 1928 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
Although Precisionism’s popularity fizzled, its influence can be found in succeeding movements.
Charles Sheeler, “Conversation – Sky and Earth,” 1940 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
Georgia O’Keeffe, “Blue and Green Music,” 1921 (Photo:Wikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
