The artwork entitled “Birds of the Bagaduce” was created by Marsden Hartley in 1939. It is representative of the Expressionism movement, specifically falling under the marina genre. As an articulation of Hartley’s unique expressive abilities, the artwork renders a maritime scene brimming with vitality and movement.
In the artwork, one is immediately struck by the distinct use of color and form which conveys the vivacious energy of the natural world. A vibrant blue sky dominates the background, filled with wispy, cream-colored clouds and simplified forms of birds in flight. These avian figures are abstracted, distilled to their essence with just a few brushstrokes, capturing their sweeping movement and freedom. Below, the sea is suggested through horizontal lines, lending a sense of calm and breadth. Sailing vessels, characterized by their tall masts and the minimalistic rendering of their sails, navigate the tranquil marine expanse. The horizon is delineated by a darker strip, hinting at a distant shoreline or the boundary of the ocean. The contrast between the dynamic sky and the more serene elements of water and land creates a harmonious yet lively composition that captures the spirit of Expressionism, reflecting the subjective experience and emotional response to the natural scene.