Venus is a watercolor painting created by Oscar Bluemner, a trained architect turned painter who worked in the early 20th century. The painting measures 9 1/2 x 12 3/4 inches and is part of a private collection. Bluemner produced Venus in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in August of 1924.
Bluemner’s work was influenced by Cubism and reflects his experimentation with modern art theories. He referred to Venus as one of his “paintings.” Bluemner’s paintings reflected his interest in the visual, emotional and psychological resonance of the art form, techniques that he undoubtedly implemented when creating Venus.
Oscar Bluemner was born in Prenzlau, Prussia (now Germany) in 1867. He studied at the Royal School of Art in Berlin before freelancing as a draftsman based out of Chicago. His background as an architect likely influenced his precise use of color and space within the watercolor medium used to create Venus.
Overall, Venus showcases Oscar Bluemner’s expertise in Cubism while highlighting his interest in playing with emotions and psychology through art pieces accurately reflecting modernist ideals.