Nine Discourses on Commodus, Part IX 1963

Cy Twombly created ‘Nine Discourses on Commodus, Part IX’ using paint on canvas, evoking a sense of ancient grandeur and decay. The artwork is dominated by bursts of color, suggestive of floral or perhaps even violent eruptions. Consider the recurrent motif of the bursting flower, a symbol of life, death, and regeneration found across cultures from ancient Egypt to the Renaissance. The colors, from vibrant yellows to deep reds, mimic the cycle of bloom and decay, reflecting Commodus's reign – a period of extravagance and eventual decline. This vivid imagery connects to the memento mori tradition, reminding us of life's transience and the inevitability of death. These symbols reappear in various contexts, from Dutch still life paintings to contemporary art, each time carrying a slightly altered yet recognizable emotional weight. The emotional intensity of these color bursts engages viewers on a primal, subconscious level, echoing the chaotic nature of Commodus's reign. This constant resurfacing demonstrates the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, evolving and adapting through different historical lenses.