“Play,” created by Marcel Duchamp in 1902 in Blainville-Crevon, France, is an evocative watercolor on paper that belongs to the Expressionism movement. Characterized as a genre painting, the artwork offers a glimpse into everyday life through the artist’s interpretive lens.
The artwork depicts a solitary figure engaged in a playful activity, holding a racquet and poised to hit a ball. The composition is simple, yet the use of watercolor imbues the piece with a certain fluidity and motion. The figure is dressed in period attire, suggesting an air of nostalgia. The soft, muted tones and modest detailing allow the viewer to focus on the essence of playfulness and movement captured in the scene. The signature of the artist and the date are inscribed in the lower right corner, adding a personal touch to this early work of Duchamp.
