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"I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold" is a striking and iconic work by American artist Charles Demuth, completed in 1928. This painting is a masterful example of the Precisionist movement, a style characterized by its clean lines, geometric forms, and a focus on modern industrial themes.

The painting is predominantly geometric, featuring three large, bold numeral "5"s superimposed in yellow, which dominate the composition. These numeral "5"s appear in varying sizes and orientations, creating a dynamic sense of movement that seems to recede into the depth of the canvas. The surrounding elements include sharp, angular shapes and forms rendered in a palette of red, blue, grey, and gold tones. This color scheme adds a sense of vibrancy and contrast, enhancing the visual impact of the numerals.

Gold accents not only frame the numerals but also contribute to the painting's title and add a distinct richness to the composition, hinting at the radiance and brilliance often associated with gold. The composition features perspective lines and fragmented forms, reminiscent of both Cubist abstraction and Futurist dynamism, suggesting speed and urgency.

Artist: Charles Demuth (1883-1935) was an American painter known for his contribution to the Precisionist movement, focusing on industrial and urban landscapes. His works often depict contemporary American life with a sense of order and clarity. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Demuth studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and was also influenced by his time in Paris, where he encountered modernist movements.

Original Painting Location: "I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold" is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. It is part of the Alfred Stieglitz Collection, gifted to the museum.

Context in Demuth's Career: This painting is part of a series of works Demuth created that paid homage to his friends and cultural figures of his time. Specifically, this piece is a tribute to his friend, the poet William Carlos Williams, and references Williams’s poem "The Great Figure," which describes a fire truck speeding through the city streets. The painting encapsulates the Precisionist movement with its emphasis on modernity, clear forms, and industrial subject matter. Through this work, Demuth captures a moment of urban dynamism and translates the essence of Williams’s poem into a visual masterpiece.

Noteworthy Details:
- Homage and Inspiration: The work is significant as both an artistic exploration of form and structure and as a personal homage to a contemporary literary figure. The use of the numeral "5" directly references the poem by Williams.
- Precisionist Influence: Demuth’s Precisionist approach is evident in the clean lines, geometric shapes, and careful composition, reflecting the industrial progress and modern environment of the early 20th century.
- Emotional Resonance: Despite its structured appearance, the painting conveys a sense of movement and intensity, much like the fire truck described in Williams’s poem. This emotional resonance connects the visual art to the literary source, creating a multi-sensory experience for the viewer.

In sum, "I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold" stands as a quintessential example of the Precisionist style and a fascinating intersection of visual art and poetry, showcasing Charles Demuth's skillful integration of geometric abstraction and personal narrative.