“The Upper City,” created by Robert Spencer in 1927, belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and is categorized as a cityscape. This piece exemplifies Spencer’s adeptness in capturing the urban environment through a nuanced interplay of color and form.
The artwork depicts a cluster of multi-story buildings, rendered in a palette of muted yellows and browns that contrast with the vibrant blue sky adorned with swirling clouds. At the forefront, lush greenery, characterized by bold, expressive brushstrokes, leads the viewer’s eye toward the structures. The trees and shrubbery also incorporate varied hues, adding dynamism to the composition. A group of figures can be seen amongst the greenery, their presence adding a human element to the otherwise architectural scene. The overall effect is a harmonious yet lively representation of urban life, interpreted through the unique lens of Post-Impressionism.