Artwork
In Vaudeville, the Bicycle Rider
In Vaudeville, the Bicycle Rider is a graphite drawing by Charles Demuth. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in graphite: C Demuth 1919-
About this work
Overview
In Vaudeville, the Bicycle Rider is a 1919 drawing by Charles Demuth, executed in watercolor and graphite on laid paper, depicting a cyclist in motion within a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a man dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and a red tie, leaning to the right while pedaling a bicycle through a forest. The scene's context, 'In Vaudeville', suggests a blend of performance and everyday life, though the bicycle rider's expression and the forest setting do not clearly evoke a theatrical context.
Technique & Style
Demuth employed bold lines and vibrant, earth-toned colors (yellow, brown, green) to convey energy and movement. The combination of watercolor and graphite on laid paper introduces texture and depth, characteristic of Demuth's expressive approach.
History & Provenance
Created in 1919, specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided in the available information.
Context
The work reflects Demuth's known style of bold, expressive color usage, aligning with early 20th-century artistic explorations of capturing modern life and movement.
Legacy
While not individually renowned in the provided context, the piece contributes to Demuth's broader legacy of innovative, expressive artworks exploring themes of modernity and everyday life.
Artist & collection
