The artwork titled “At the Cycle-Race Track” is a creation of Jean Metzinger, dating back to 1912. This piece is a mixed medium of collage, oil, and canvas that embodies the Cubo-Futurist movement. The artwork’s dimensions are 130.4 by 97.1 centimeters. It is categorized as a genre painting and is currently housed at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, New York, United States.
In the artwork, Metzinger depicts the dynamic and energetic scene of a cycle race. The composition is characterized by an assemblage of geometric shapes and fragmented forms, which align with the Cubist aesthetic of breaking down objects and figures into shapes. The influence of Futurism is perceptible in the sense of movement and speed conveyed through the overlapping and intersecting planes. The central figure is a cyclist, captured in mid-motion, vigorously pedaling his bicycle. The background features elements suggestive of a crowd and racing track environments, such as the checkered flag and other racers or bicycles abstractly represented. The usage of a vibrant color palette and the portrayal of motion are pivotal to the artwork, evoking the excitement and intensity of the cycle-race scene.
