“The Figure 5 in Gold,” created by the artist Charles Demuth in 1928, is an oil on paper artwork belonging to the Precisionism art movement. This poster is part of the “Poster Portraits” series and measures 90.2 cm by 76.2 cm. It is located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The artwork epitomizes the essence of its genre by blending abstraction with representational images to convey its message.
The artwork itself is a visual ode to the dynamic energy of the number five, encapsulated by bold typography and strong geometric shapes. Dominated by the large, ornate number 5 in the center, it is set within layers of text, numbers, and forms that suggest a sense of motion and modernity. The color palette is a mix of golds, blacks, reds, and grays with hints of lighter tones, conferring to the piece a dramatic yet cohesive harmony. The background elements and the interplay between flatness and depth invite the viewer to explore the sophisticated relationship between the various components of the composition. The initials “C. D.” and “W. C. W.” inscribed within the work also contribute to its narrative and thematic depth. Overall, the artwork serves as a compelling intersection of text, numerology, and the aesthetics of industrial precision—all central aspects of the Precisionism movement.