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Unique Forms of Continuity in Space

1913, cast 1950
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 908
The Futurists’ celebration of the fast pace and mechanical power of the modern world is emphasized here in the sculpture’s dynamism and energy. The figure’s marching silhouette appears deformed by wind and speed, while its sleek metal contours allude to machinery. World War I broke out the year after Boccioni created this work. Believing that modern technological warfare would shatter Italy’s obsession with the classical past, the Futurists welcomed the conflict. Tragically, Boccioni was killed in action in 1916, at the age of thirty-four.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Unique Forms of Continuity in Space
  • Artist: Umberto Boccioni (Italian, Reggio 1882–1916 Sorte)
  • Date: 1913, cast 1950
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: 47 3/4 × 35 × 15 3/4 in., 200 lb. (121.3 × 88.9 × 40 cm, 90.7 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Lydia Winston Malbin, 1989
  • Object Number: 1990.38.3
  • Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

Audio

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More Artwork

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The Athlete, Umberto Boccioni Italian, Drypoint
The Athlete
Umberto Boccioni
1907
Composition Study for "The Street Pavers", Umberto Boccioni Italian, Pen and brown ink on paper
Composition Study for "The Street Pavers"
Umberto Boccioni
1914
Head Against the Light (The Artist's Sister), Umberto Boccioni Italian, Pen and brown ink with traces of copy pencil on paper
Head Against the Light (The Artist's Sister)
Umberto Boccioni
1912
Study for "Fusion of a Head and a Window", Umberto Boccioni Italian, Pen and brown ink on printed paper
Study for "Fusion of a Head and a Window"
Umberto Boccioni
1912
Development of a Bottle in Space, Umberto Boccioni Italian, Bronze
Development of a Bottle in Space
Umberto Boccioni
1913, cast 1950

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