Marsden Hartley

This book explores the life and work of Marsden Hartley, highlighting his travels and their profound impact on his artistic evolution.

Marsden Hartley (1877-1943) proudly identified as an American artist, yet he harbored a deep yearning for European exploration. In 1912, he ventured to Paris, Berlin, and Munich, where he encountered a wealth of visual ideas and cultural influences that would shape his artistic identity. His time in these vibrant cities played a crucial role in his emergence as a prominent figure in American modernism, allowing him to synthesize European influences through his unique New England perspective.

The book Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts provides a fresh perspective on this pioneering modernist, coinciding with an exhibition at the Vilcek Foundation in New York. Rick Kinsel's introduction highlights how Hartley's travels significantly influenced his artistic vision, from his mentorship with Gertrude Stein in Paris to his interactions with the Blaue Reiter group in Germany. Hartley’s fascination with diverse cultures, including the Native American traditions of the Southwest and the ancient civilizations of Mexico, is explored in depth, revealing how these experiences enriched his work.

William Low presents items from the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection at Bates College Museum, including memorabilia from his travels and artifacts reflecting his spiritual interests. The book also delves into Hartley's unfinished manuscript about the circus, a recurring theme in his art, and features a selection of his works that capture his dual cultural identity. Through approximately 100 pieces, arranged thematically, readers gain insights into Hartley's motivations and the significance of his personal possessions in his artistic journey.