“Townscape M4,” created by Gerhard Richter in 1968, is a distinguished piece within the New European Painting movement. This cityscape artwork belongs to Richter’s “Townscapes” series, produced between 1968 and 1970.
The artwork conveys an abstract urban scene rendered primarily in monochromatic tones. Richter utilizes broad, gestural brushstrokes to compose fragmented architectural forms. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the indistinct outlines, imbues the painting with a sense of dynamism and ambiguity. The abstract composition challenges the viewer to decipher the depicted urban environment, thereby highlighting Richter’s innovative approach to capturing the essence of a cityscape.
