“Nine Discourses on Commodus, Part VII” is an artwork by Cy Twombly created in 1963. This piece, rendered in oil, wax, pencil, and canvas, aligns with the Abstract Expressionism movement and belongs to the abstract genre. “Nine Discourses on Commodus” is a cohesive series from the same year, and this particular work is part of that series.
The artwork is marked by an expressive and frenetic use of materials, characterized by two prominent, amorphous forms situated centrally on the canvas. One form appears predominantly red, while the other is a blend of more subdued shades and lines. The chaotic application and intertwining strokes of oil and wax create a dynamic, almost turbulent visual effect, enhanced by the occasional drips and splatters that extend beyond the primary shapes. The pencil lines interspersed throughout add a sense of underlying structure amidst the vivid abstraction. This work exemplifies Cy Twombly’s signature style of merging raw, impassioned gestures with a profound sense of depth and complexity.
