The design of this watch is adapted from Charles Demuth’s (American, 1883–1935) vibrant painting The Figure 5 in Gold (1928). The dynamic study refers both to Demuth’s friend, the poet William Carlos Williams, and his poem “The Great Figure,” which begins: “Among the rain/and lights/I saw the figure 5/in gold/on a red/firetruck.” In the center of the composition are three figure 5’s, appearing to either recede or rush forward, depending on the eye of the viewer. The painting emanates energy, motion, and speed, qualities encapsulated by a powerful, commanding firetruck as well as by Williams himself, a boisterous extrovert and respected friend and adviser to the art world. (Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1949, 49.59.1).
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