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"Popocatepetl; Spirited Morning" (1932) by Marsden Hartley is a vibrant and evocative landscape painting that captures the essence of the iconic Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico. The painting is infused with Hartley’s distinctive style, characterized by bold, expressive forms and dynamic color contrasts.

The painting features the striking profile of Popocatepetl, one of Mexico's most famous volcanoes. The foreground is adorned with large, colorful, geometric shapes, possibly representing the flora and the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region. The midground merges seamlessly into rolling hills and rugged terrain, building a sense of depth and perspective. As the viewer's eyes ascend the painting, the towering volcano takes center stage, its snow-capped peak starkly contrasting against the blue sky. Hartley uses thick, swirling strokes that lend movement to the sky, perhaps suggesting the spirited morning winds and the lively energy of the scene.

The color palette is rich and varied, dominated by earthy browns, lush greens, and crisp whites, punctuated by bursts of vivid reds, blues, and yellows. This not only brings the landscape to life but also conveys the emotional intensity that Hartley felt towards the natural beauty and cultural significance of Mexico.

Marsden Hartley (1877-1943) was an American modernist painter known for his deeply personal and bold expressions of landscape and identity. "Popocatepetl; Spirited Morning" was created during Hartley’s stay in Mexico, a period that proved to be incredibly fertile for his artistic exploration. This painting is emblematic of Hartley’s ability to synthesize his experiences and emotions with his surroundings, offering a unique lens through which viewers can appreciate the grandeur of the natural world.

Museums and Collections:
The original painting is housed in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This institution boasts a considerable collection of American art and has been instrumental in preserving and showcasing Hartley's works.

Hartley is often associated with the American Modernist movement, and his works reflect a confluence of influences, ranging from German Expressionism to Native American and Mexican folk art. "Popocatepetl; Spirited Morning" fits into Hartley’s broader oeuvre as a testament to his continual engagement with landscape as a means of emotional and spiritual expression.

During the period when this painting was created, Hartley was moving away from his earlier European influences and towards a mature style uniquely his own. His time in Mexico marked a phase of revitalization and experimentation, enabling him to delve deeply into the emotional resonance of the landscapes he encountered.

- Symbolism: The geometry and bold colors in the painting bear some symbolism relating to Mexican culture and the mystique of the volcano itself.
- Technique: Hartley’s application of paint—thick, textured, and with passionate brushwork—lends the painting a tactile quality, making the viewer almost feel the terrain and the atmosphere depicted.
- Emotional Intensity: True to his style, Hartley imbues the scene with a palpable sense of his inner emotional landscape, making it not just a depiction of a place, but a reflection of his inner world.

"Popocatepetl; Spirited Morning" stands as a powerful example of Marsden Hartley’s artistic legacy, capturing the sublime beauty of nature through a modernist lens and contributing to the rich tapestry of American landscape painting.