The artwork titled “Nine Discourses on Commodus, Part I” was created by the artist Cy Twombly in 1963. It is an abstract piece that belongs to a series of artworks focused on the figure of Commodus. The medium used for this artwork is a combination of oil, wax, pencil, and canvas. Twombly’s work is often associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement, a genre marked by expressive, non-representational forms.
This particular artwork features a predominantly grey, muted background with a central focal point showcasing a chaotic application of pencil lines and markings that create a grid-like structure. Within and around this grid are smudges and streaks of paint in colors like white, blue, and touches of orange and yellow. The painting embodies Twombly’s characteristic style, merging scribbled, calligraphic-like gestures with the use of color and form, which suggests a sense of spontaneity and dynamic movement. The lack of clear figurative elements places the emphasis on the expressive and emotional content of the marks and the painting’s texture.
