Plastic synthesis - seated person 1915

Umberto Boccioni created this oil painting, "Plastic synthesis - seated person." The brushwork in this painting is so directional. Look at the way it builds up the form, like a sculptor working with clay. You can feel the hand of the artist, pushing and pulling the paint across the surface to create a sense of depth and volume. I'm drawn to the surface texture of the piece, the impasto that builds up around the sitter's clothes, especially the folds of fabric draped on their lap. It’s as if Boccioni wanted to capture not just the appearance of the figure, but also the weight and feel of their physical presence. There's a real sense of movement and energy, the diagonal lines of the wall seeming to ripple. You could compare this to the work of someone like Cezanne who also used brushstrokes to create form and volume. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what you see!