The artwork “Animals in a Landscape” was created by Franz Marc in 1914. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece is a quintessential example of the Cubist movement, measuring 99.7 by 110.2 centimeters. As an animal painting, it is housed in the Detroit Institute of Arts located in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
In this vibrant composition, Franz Marc captures the essence of various animals coexisting within a colorful, fragmented landscape, a hallmark of the Cubist style. The artwork features an array of geometric shapes and angles, through which the figures of the animals are discerned. Dynamic lines and bold, contrasting colors contribute to a sense of movement and vitality within the painting. Vivid hues of yellow, orange, blue, and green dominate the palette, underpinning the artist’s desire to express the deeper spiritual reality of nature rather than a mere realistic depiction. The animals—though abstracted—are imbued with a sense of life and energy, speaking to Marc’s profound interest in the natural world and its creatures.