Untitled 1913

August Macke painted this untitled still life, with oil on canvas, sometime before his untimely death in the First World War. The work offers a rich display of color, a vibrant bouquet set against an abstract backdrop. Macke's involvement with Der Blaue Reiter, or The Blue Rider group, encouraged an interest in abstraction and spirituality in art. Though he was deeply influenced by the work of artists such as Kandinsky, Macke's style maintained its own distinct character. Macke was quoted as saying “It is not the object that is interesting, but the translation of nature into the abstraction of color and form.” This approach allowed him to explore the emotive and symbolic potential of color. The bold colors in the painting create a sense of joy and vitality, reflecting the influence of expressionism. The vivid colors, however, could also be interpreted as a fleeting moment of beauty against the backdrop of a world on the brink of war. The painting serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of art.