The artwork titled “The Steer (The Bull)” by Franz Marc, created in 1911, is an exemplary piece of Expressionist animal painting. This oil on canvas work measures 101 x 135 cm and is currently housed in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, NY, US.
In this evocative composition, the steer is portrayed with a distinctive use of bold colors and dynamic forms typical of the Expressionist movement. The animal’s body is rendered with sweeping, fluid lines that give a sense of both strength and tranquility. Predominantly painted in white with accents of red around its hooves and face, the bull contrasts vividly against the vibrant, abstract background of green, blue, and purple hues. These colors and forms surrounding the steer create an energetic atmosphere, emphasizing the expressive power and emotional intensity that characterize Franz Marc’s work. The steer appears calm and composed, lying down with a peaceful demeanor, which contrasts with the turbulent backdrop, thus underscoring the interplay between the subject and its environment.
