Mercury Passing Before the Sun (Giacomo Balla, Futurism)

Mercury Passing Before the Sun

Mercury Passing Before the Sun represents Balla's subjective experience of the event. It exemplifies his transition to a more abstract style, as well as his interest in themes of cosmogony; he uses the opacity of gouache to suggest a dense fusion of cosmic forces. During this period, Balla had begun to experiment with the use of geometric and curving forms and transparent planes to convey movement. Mercury Passing Before the Sun translates the temporal progression of Mercury's transition into a spatial progression, using methods devised by the Cubists.

Back to the Artist Giacomo Balla

Balla's Other Works

Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash

Street Light

Abstract Speed + Sound

A Young Girl Running on a Balcony