Artwork
The Dance of the Assassinated
The Dance of the Assassinated is a photographic photography by Fortunato Depero. It dates from 1936 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Dance of the Assassinated is a photograph of Fortunato Depero's sculpture, presented in black and white and mounted on a green card.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts four stylized figures in a distorted, angular pose, with elongated and bent bodies, conveying a sense of unease and tension. The figures' faces are obscured, and their clothing appears stiff and exaggerated, adding to the overall feeling of discomfort.
Technique & Style
The photograph showcases strong lines and flat areas, characteristic of a simplified and bold style. The use of chiaroscuro is evident in the contrast between light and dark areas, creating a sense of depth and volume.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of a collection bequeathed by William Kineton Parkes in 1938, having been sent to him by sculptors in the 1920s in response to his questionnaires on sculpture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Fortunato Depero (30 March 1892 – 29 November 1960) was an Italian futurist painter, writer, sculptor, and graphic designer.
