The artwork “Nine Discourses on Commodus, Part VI,” crafted in 1963 by Cy Twombly, is an exemplar of Abstract Expressionism. Executed in a combination of oil, wax, and pencil on canvas, this piece belongs to the series “Nine Discourses on Commodus”. Marked by its adherence to the abstract genre, the artwork is an evocative part of Twombly’s exploration into historical narratives.
The artwork showcases a predominantly grey canvas adorned with various marks and gestures—featuring scribbles, errant lines, and dots applied in an apparently spontaneous manner. Central to the composition is an accumulation of white, blue, and red colors, forming a cloud-like shape, inscribed with overlapping strokes. Above this central mass, isolated, petal-like forms are scattered, each rendered in subtle hues. Light drips of paint and fine pencil lines add an element of dynamic tension and movement, creating a layered and textured visual experience. The overall visual language of the artwork resonates with a sense of emotional intensity and complexity, reflecting the depth and turbulence of the historical figure it references.
