The artwork “Fifty Days at Iliam. Shield of Achilles,” created by Cy Twombly in 1978, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement. This piece is part of the abstract genre and is included in the “Fifty Days at Iliam” series.
The artwork displays an abstract composition characterized by a central mass of energetically drawn lines and scribbles. Dominated by hues of red and blue, these intertwined marks create a dynamic and chaotic visual effect, suggesting both motion and intensity. The background is a stark white, which serves to further highlight the central swirl of colors. The handwritten text “Achilles’ Shield” appears at the top left, adding a narrative dimension to the abstract forms, invoking imagery and themes from classical mythology. The overall presentation of the piece reflects Twombly’s distinctive style of combining gestural abstraction with literary references.
