1910: Portrait of a Year

1910: Portrait of a Year explores two defining artistic currents, specifically, Expressionism and New Classicism. These diametrically opposed impulses, one driven by ebullient hedonism, and the other by cerebral restraint, together shaped the major artistic achievements of the era. 1910 stands out as a pivotal year, when these contrasting drives engaged in a dynamic and fertile dialogue. The book shows the triumph of Expressionism and the emergence of Futurism, characterized by an intensified use of strong color and an increasing embrace of abstract elements to convey the dynamism of modernity. It also addresses the opposite side of the spectrum — the countertrend distinguished by the emergence of Cubism and the use of subdued colors, rigorous structure, and intellectual order. Modernist themes, such as celebrating the city and new technologies, are juxtaposed with traditional subjects, particularly figural studies and idealized landscapes, as artists sought to reclaim a lost utopia by adopting the language of classical austerity. An introductory text describes key cultural and historical events that occurred during that year and provides a contextual background. Separate essays illuminate the seismic and at times contradictory developments that occurred in the fine and decorative arts, in part as a reaction to social upheavals of the era.