The artwork in question, titled “Allegory,” was created by Robert Rauschenberg in the year 1960. This assemblage piece is representative of the Neo-Dada movement and falls under the genre of figurative art.
“Allegory” features a complex and vibrant composition where abstract, seemingly disconnected elements are brought together. Dominating the left side of the assemblage is a large red umbrella shape that immediately draws the viewer’s eye. It is set against a backdrop of various hues with broad, gestural brushstrokes, including areas of black, white, blue, and more muted tones. In stark contrast, the center is marked by a prominent vertical textural element resembling a piece of driftwood or torn fabric, adding a three-dimensional quality to the artwork. To the right, more abstract forms and colors blend into a textured patchwork, evoking a sense of depth and movement. Overall, the assemblage combines both painted and found materials to create a richly layered piece that evokes a sense of narrative and complexity typical of Rauschenberg’s oeuvre.
