Sextant

Marsden Hartley's Sextant (1917) exemplifies his exploration of Abstract art during a pivotal period in his career. As a pioneering Figurative artist, Hartley often infused his work with bold forms and vivid color, yet in this piece, he shifts toward a more conceptual, geometrically driven style. The title Sextant evokes navigation and precision, hinting at the artwork’s focus on measurement, orientation, and spatial relationships. Hartley's technique employs dynamic brushwork and layered textures, creating a compelling study of form and space that balances emotional expression with conceptual depth.