The artwork titled “The North-South” by Gino Severini, created in 1912, is a significant piece within the Futurism art movement and belongs to the cityscape genre.
The artwork depicts a dynamic urban scene, characterized by its bold colors and fragmented forms that create a sense of movement and energy. The painting features various urban elements, such as signs with inscriptions like “METRO,” “SORTIE,” “DIRECTION SALAZARE,” “1 CLASSE,” and “PIGALLE,” alluding to the hustle of city life. The composition is highly reminiscent of the Futurist fascination with speed, technology, and modernity. Severini’s technique includes vibrant, contrasting colors and broken geometrical shapes, emphasizing the vibrancy and chaotic nature of the city environment. The presence of these elements reflects the artist’s innovative approach to capturing the essence of urban modernity in the early 20th century.