The artwork titled “Battle with Cicones,” created by Romare Bearden in 1977, is a notable piece positioned within the art movements of Cubism and Neo-Expressionism. This literary painting is part of the “Odysseus” series, reflecting the artist’s exploration of classical themes through modernist lenses.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a dynamic portrayal of conflict and motion. The scene is set against a vivid red background that dominates the composition. Silhouetted figures, rendered in dark, solid colors, are depicted in various states of action, suggesting a ferocious battle. The forms are geometric and fragmented, embodying the principles of Cubism while the vibrant palette and emotional intensity of the scene align with Neo-Expressionism. In the upper left, a silvery-gray ship is seen, perhaps hinting at the voyages of Odysseus. On the right side, an elephant, draped in a patterned cloth, adds an element of the exotic to the scene. The stark contrast in colors and forms enhances the tumultuous and chaotic nature of the narrative depicted within this rich and evocative work.
