Artwork
Drum cotit
Drum cotit is a print by Francisc Șirato. It dates from 1934 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania.
About this work
Overview
Francisc Șirato, a prominent Romanian painter and graphic artist, produced the work titled Drum cotit in 1934. As a member of the Grupul celor patru, he was a key figure in the development of Romanian modernist art during the early twentieth century.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a modest coastal settlement perched on a gentle slope, its low‑lying structures capped with red tiles. The village clusters near the shoreline, while the sea extends into the distance, suggesting a tranquil relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Technique & Style
Șirato employs a loose, rapid brushwork that emphasizes soft blues, muted greens, and earthy hues. Thick, textured strokes—reminiscent of impasto—are applied to the hillside to convey the play of light and shadow, lending the surface a warm, uneven quality.
History & Provenance
Created during a period when Șirato and his colleagues were actively shaping Romanian modernism, Drum cotit reflects the artistic concerns of the Grupul celor patru. The painting remains a representative example of his output in the 1930s, illustrating his role in the nation’s visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francisc Şirato (15 August 1877 — 4 August 1953) was a Romanian painter, graphic artist, art critic, and designer.
