Artwork

Plumed Knight

Plumed Knight, by Fortunato Depero, photographic, 1936
Plumed Knight, by Fortunato Depero, photographic, 1936

Plumed Knight is a photographic photography by Fortunato Depero. It dates from 1936 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Plumed Knight is a photograph by Fortunato Depero, mounted on a green card and preserved in the Archive of Art and Design.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a geometric, armored figure with a helmet resembling ram's horns, holding a spear. The figure's mask-like face and stiff pose evoke a sense of mechanized or futuristic militarism, blending ancient and modern elements.

Technique & Style

The photograph showcases Depero's distinctive style, characterized by sharp angles and a mix of organic and mechanical forms. The figure appears to be a sculpture, possibly made from wood or metal, set against a dark background.

History & Provenance

The photograph was part of a collection bequeathed to the Archive of Art and Design by William Kineton Parkes in 1938. Parkes, a novelist and art historian, had solicited responses from artists, including Depero, via questionnaires in the 1920s.

Untitled
Untitled, Alexander Archipenko

Artist & collection

Portrait of Fortunato Depero

Artist

Fortunato Depero

Fortunato Depero was an Italian futurist painter, writer, sculptor, and graphic designer.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Plumed Knight?

Plumed Knight was painted by Fortunato Depero in 1936.

Where can I see Plumed Knight?

Plumed Knight is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.