The artwork titled “Fifty Days at Iliam. The Fire that Consumes All before It” was created by Cy Twombly in 1978 and is part of the Neo-Expressionism art movement. It belongs to the abstract genre and is within the series “Fifty Days at Iliam.”
The artwork features a dynamic and expressive composition, characterized by bold and sweeping brushstrokes. Dominated by a large, fiery red smudge, it conveys a sense of intense movement and emotion. The unrestrained application of red pigment suggests the raging flames mentioned in the title, “The Fire that Consumes All before It.” Below the red swath, faint and almost ephemeral handwritten text can be seen, further imbuing the piece with a sense of raw and visceral energy. This evocative work reflects Twombly’s ability to fuse classical themes with modern abstraction, creating a powerful and dramatic visual narrative.
