The Harbor
The Met
Artist: Josef Presser(American (born Poland), Lublin 1907–1967 Paris, France)
Date: ca. 1943
Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: 34 3/4 x 53 1/4 in. (88.3 x 135.3 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Pennsylvania W. P. A., 1943
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A fragmented scene of an industrial harbor with ships, bridges, and cranes
Detailed Description
This highly fragmented industrial scene is dominated by a complex interplay of geometric shapes and vibrant colors. The composition is densely packed, creating a sense of depth and overlapping elements. In the central area, a prominent white smokestack with two horizontal blue stripes rises vertically, appearing to be part of a ship whose deck and other structures are partially visible in shades of white and brown. Below this, a large, dark green arched structure, resembling a bridge or a ship's hull, spans across the lower mid-ground, supported by brown, column-like elements. To the left, a dense cluster of yellow, lattice-like structures, suggestive of cranes or bridge supports, interlocks with dark brown and red angular forms. Further left, dark, heavy shapes anchor the lower corner. The right side of the scene mirrors this complexity, featuring dark, massive forms that could be parts of ships or industrial buildings, interspersed with bright yellow and blue fragments. In the upper right, a network of thin, dark lines suggests ship rigging or construction scaffolding against a darker background. The overall color palette includes deep reds, oranges, yellows, dark blues, greens, and browns, with highlights of white and light blue, all rendered with visible brushstrokes.
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