Artwork
Composition - Globe
Composition - Globe is a print by Augustus Peck. It dates from 1929 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The title *Composition - Globe* hints this might be about the world—or how people move through it.
This black-and-white print shows a chaotic crowd of people tangled together. Some are reaching upward, others are sprawled on the ground. One person in a hat stands apart, watching the scene. The lines are rough and uneven, making the figures look urgent and messy.
The title *Composition - Globe* hints this might be about the world—or how people move through it. The artist’s signature reads "Augustus," but the full name is in the facts.
Next, check out Augustus Peck (American, 1906–1975) for more of his work.
Overview
Created in 1929, *Composition – Globe* is a black‑and‑white print by American artist Augustus Peck. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It presents a densely packed group of figures rendered in stark contrast, with a solitary figure in a hat positioned apart from the tumult.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a tangled mass of people, some reaching upward, others collapsed on the ground, suggesting a chaotic human experience. The title alludes to a globe, inviting interpretation that the composition reflects the universal condition of individuals navigating the world’s disorder.
Technique & Style
Peck employs rough, uneven lines and stark tonal contrasts to convey urgency and disarray. The print’s monochrome palette emphasizes form over color, while the gestural drawing style creates a sense of movement and tension among the figures.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in 1929 and later acquired by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. The artist signed the work simply as “Augustus,” though his full name, Augustus Peck (1906–1975), is recorded in museum documentation.
Artist & collection
