The artwork titled “Circus” was created by August Macke in 1911. This piece, executed in oil on canvas, belongs to the Expressionism art movement and is categorized as a genre painting. It measures 54 x 39.5 cm and resides in a private collection.
The artwork vividly captures the lively and bustling atmosphere of a circus. Dominated by vibrant colors, it features various performers and animals in a dynamic and somewhat abstract composition. In the foreground, a joyful clown, illustrated in a checkered costume, waves to the audience with the distinctive exaggerated expression common to circus performers. To the left, a man beats a large drum with a poised sense of rhythm, while a white dog sits attentively nearby. Behind them, a strongman with his arms crossed stands confidently, and a woman in a yellow costume poses gracefully. Above, a performer balances on a high perch, enhancing the sense of height and action within the scene. The audience at the bottom of the canvas, depicted with minimal detail, emphasizes the focus on the performers and their vivid expressions and movements. The overall scene radiates energy and excitement, embodying the essence of a circus spectacle through the unique lens of Expressionism.
