“Palm on Wall,” created by Graham Sutherland in 1948, is an exemplary piece from the Expressionism art movement, categorized under the cityscape genre.
The artwork portrays an abstract urban scene with emphasis on geometric shapes and muted earth tones. Central to the composition is an arrangement of varied elements that suggest architectural forms, depicted with clean lines and distinct blocks of color. The prominent feature appears to be the silhouette of a palm or similar foliage, arching above a structured, wall-like backdrop. The scene is distinctly modernist, characterized by a blend of natural and constructed forms, alluding to the interplay between nature and urbanization. The use of lines, colors, and abstract forms evoke a contemplative mood, inviting viewers to ponder the balance and tension within urban environments.