The artwork “Nine Discourses on Commodus, Part II” by Cy Twombly, created in 1963, is an abstract creation that falls under the Abstract Expressionism movement. It was made using a combination of oil, wax, and pencil on canvas. This piece is part of a series dedicated to the figure of Commodus, comprising nine works in total.
The image features a predominantly white canvas that serves as a background for chaotic bursts of paint, primarily in red and white, which appear almost violent in their application. There are significant smearing and dripping effects, suggesting a sense of movement and perhaps turmoil. Graphite pencil lines can be seen framing and intersecting the main forms, adding to the complexity and layering of the composition. The work conveys a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion, characteristics often associated with Abstract Expressionism, which emphasizes the physical act of painting as an essential aspect of the finished work.
