The artwork titled “Visual Synthesis of the Idea: ‘War'” was created by Gino Severini in 1914. Executed with oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the art movement known as Futurism. The dimensions of the artwork are 92.7 x 73 cm, and it falls within the cityscape genre. Presently, this notable work is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) located in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork itself is a dynamic and intricate composition that encapsulates the intensity and complexity associated with war. Various industrial elements such as chimneys, gears, and anchors dominate the canvas, symbolizing the mechanized nature of warfare and technological advancements of the era. The fragmented and overlapping forms, characteristic of Futurism, convey motion and chaos, evoking a sense of urgency and mobilization. Text elements like “Effort Maximum” suggest a call to action and collective effort, reinforcing the themes of mobilization and industrial might. The usage of strong diagonal lines and vibrant colors further intensifies the sense of dynamism and conflict inherent in the subject matter.