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"Décor Plat" is an intriguing example of early 20th-century abstraction by the American artist Henry Lyman Sayen. Painted in 1915, this work is a testament to Sayen's experimentation with form, color, and space, which were influenced by his study of modernist movements in Europe. The painting exudes a palpable sense of dynamism and complexity, essential characteristics of the Cubist and Fauvist styles that Sayen embraced.

Visual Elements:
- Composition: The canvas is a busy tapestry of interacting shapes and fragmented forms, each piece interlocking like a multifaceted puzzle. The structure is predominantly geometric, with angular lines and overlapping planes that evoke a sense of depth and motion. The title "Décor Plat," or "Flat Decoration," playfully hints at the flatness of the canvas despite the visual depth created by the overlapping geometries.
- Color Palette: Sayen employs a vibrant palette with predominantly warm hues of red, orange, and yellow, contrasted by cooler blues and greens. These colors are often placed in stark geometric sections, creating both harmony and tension within the composition. The use of bright, almost Fauvist colors juxtaposed with the structural rigor of Cubism defines the painting's dual influence.
- Brushwork and Texture: The brushstroke is relatively smooth, contributing to the harmonious blending of forms and colors. The painting's texture, however, is subtle, focusing more on the arrangement of shapes and colors than on the tactile qualities of the paint itself.

Context and Significance:
- Artistic Movement: Sayen's work is a crossroad of multiple movements. His engagement with Cubism's fragmentation of form and his bold application of Fauvist color speaks to the pioneering spirit of modernism. These styles were critical in the development of early abstracts and non-representational art, paving the way for future movements.
- Career Integration: "Décor Plat" was created during a pivotal period in Sayen's career, just after his intensive period of study in Paris. Here, he rubbed shoulders with avant-garde artists and absorbed the revolutionary artistic ideas that were transforming the art world. Upon his return to the United States, he became a conduit for these radical ideas, fusing them with his uniquely American sensibility.
- In Collection: The painting is part of the renowned collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This location underscores Sayen's significance in the annals of American art and his contributions to the cultural exchange between Europe and the United States.
- Artist Background: Henry Lyman Sayen (1875-1918), originally trained as an engineer and later pivoting to art, exemplifies the intersection of analytical mindsets and creative exploration. His relatively brief career, cut short by his untimely death in the 1918 influenza pandemic, nonetheless left a lasting imprint on modernist art in America. His scientific background is often reflected in his precise and structural approach to painting.

Noteworthy Details:
- Influences: The thematic and stylistic influences of artists such as Henri Matisse and the Cubists, including Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, are evident. Sayen's "Décor Plat" reflects these influences but also stands as an original work, contributing to the broader dialogue of abstract and modernist art.
- Historical Context: 1915 was a year of great dynamism in the art world, with many artists pushing the boundaries of conventional representation. This painting can be seen as both an homage to and a continuation of these groundbreaking efforts. Sayen's work captures the zeitgeist of this innovative era, blending scientific precision with painterly exploration.

In summary, "Décor Plat (1915)" by Henry Lyman Sayen is a vibrant and intricate painting rooted in the modernist movements of Cubism and Fauvism. Its complex interplay of geometric forms and bold colors encapsulates Sayen's artistic vision and his role as a transcontinental bridge between European avant-garde and American modernist art. It stands proudly within the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, commemorating Sayen's influential yet tragically brief career.