Charles Demuth

Charles Henry Buckius Demuth (1883–1935) was an American painter known for his significant contributions to the Precisionism movement and for his masterful watercolors. A lifelong resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Demuth’s oeuvre includes abstract Cubist styles and later, Precisionist works characterized by clear geometric shapes and industrial themes. His education spanned Drexel University and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, with further studies in Paris. Demuth’s close relationship with poet William Carlos Williams influenced his work, notably in “I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold.” Despite facing health challenges, Demuth’s legacy includes a rich body of work that captures the evolving American landscape.

---

Demuth's "I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold" (1928) is a homage to his friend William Carlos Williams and his poem "The Great Figure," showcasing Demuth's ability to blend visual art with literary inspiration in a vibrant, dynamic composition.

---