Untitled (Coty) (1917)

Welcome to a vivid examination of "Untitled (Coty)" by the Portuguese avant-garde artist Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a remarkable painting that seamlessly combines elements of Cubism and Futurism. Created in 1917, this artwork provides an intriguing window into the early 20th-century European art movements.At first glance, the painting appears as a vibrant collage of colors, shapes, and textures, intricately layered to form a complex, almost dizzying composition. The piece features an array of objects and figures, each fragment seemingly suspended in a disjointed harmony that challenges traditional perspectives.Key elements within this painting include playing cards, the distinct label "Coty" from a fashionable perfume brand of the era, fragments of a guitar, and glimpses of floral patterns. These are combined with abstracted body parts that weave through the composition, including eyes and a torso, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality.The variety of textures and materials depicted adds depth and a tactile sense to the work, with the rendition of glass, fabric, and possibly metal surfaces. The fragmented guitar and cards suggest themes of leisure and recreation, while the inclusion of the Coty label hints at contemporary culture and perhaps a commentary on commercialism or the role of art and beauty in society."Untitled (Coty)" is an exemplary showcase of Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso's skill in blending Cubist fragmentation with the dynamic motion inherent in Futurism.