Lancers 1915

Gino Severini painted “Lancers” using oil on canvas, capturing a dynamic scene of soldiers on horseback. The lances they carry are dominant visual symbols, representing power, aggression, and the readiness for conflict. The image of the mounted lancer is ancient, echoing the Roman cavalry and medieval knights. Think of the equestrian statues of emperors and generals, symbols of authority and martial prowess. Here, however, the Futurists embrace a more fractured, modern interpretation. The lances, multiplied and fragmented, evoke not just individual heroism but the mechanized violence of modern warfare. Consider the psychological impact of the repeated, piercing forms, stirring both fascination and fear in the viewer. The Futurist artists explored the relationship between the human and machine, the thrill of speed, and the chaotic energy of the modern world. It is an energy that continues to resonate, echoing the complex relationship between technology, violence, and the human psyche.