“XL 513,” crafted by Gerhard Richter in 1964, is an exemplar of the New European Painting movement and belongs to the figurative genre. This artwork is part of the “Aeroplanes (1963-1964)” series, and it vividly captures the essence of this period while showcasing Richter’s distinctive approach to painting.
The artwork portrays a military aircraft in mid-flight, captured from an angle that emphasizes its dynamic motion and powerful presence. The background features a gradient of colors, transitioning from a soft pastel hue at the bottom to a more intense reddish-pink towards the top, which enhances the sensation of speed and movement. The plane itself is depicted with an accurate attention to detail, adorned with a camouflage pattern and marked with the identifier “XL 513.” The blurred lines and soft brushstrokes further contribute to the illusion of rapid motion, effectively conveying the artist’s intent to blend realism with an abstract representation of speed and technology.
