“Sustained Comedy,” created by Marsden Hartley in 1939, is a figurative work belonging to the Expressionist movement. The artwork depicts a central figure adorned in a tank top, surrounded by various symbolic elements that lend a surreal quality to the piece. The depiction includes an array of small intricate details, such as birds, and abstract patterns, that seem to be intertwined with the figure’s physical form and surroundings. The bold use of color and striking visual elements evoke a sense of intense emotion and complexity in the composition. Notably, the artwork also features representations of crucifixion and mythical creatures, which infuse it with a deeper, possibly allegorical, narrative.
