Scheherazade (1915)

Henry Lyman Saÿen’s Scheherazade (1915)
is a vibrant oil painting that exemplifies his engagement with Fauvism and modernist aesthetics.

The painting depicts a dynamic landscape featuring a bridge set within Huntingdon Valley. Saÿen employs bold, non-naturalistic colors—vivid reds, oranges, greens, and blues—to render the scene. The composition is characterized by expressive brushstrokes and a flattened perspective, emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the canvas.

Created around 1915, this work reflects Saÿen’s exposure to European avant-garde movements during his time in Paris from 1906 to 1914. Influenced by artists like Henri Matisse, Saÿen adopted Fauvist principles, evident in his use of intense colors and emphasis on painterly qualities over realistic representation. Upon returning to the United States, he continued to explore these modernist approaches, as seen in this painting.

Saÿen utilizes oil on canvas, measuring approximately 25 x 30 inches (63.5 x 76.3 cm). His application of paint is vigorous, with visible brushstrokes contributing to the overall texture and dynamism of the piece. The composition lacks traditional depth cues, opting instead for a flattened space that aligns with modernist tendencies to focus on the surface qualities of the painting.

The use of non-naturalistic colors and expressive forms suggests a departure from literal representation, aiming to convey the emotional essence of the landscape. The bridge may symbolize a connection between different realms—nature and human-made structures, or the past and the present. The vibrant palette evokes a sense of vitality and movement within the natural environment.

This painting exemplifies Saÿen’s role in introducing European modernist styles to American art. His integration of Fauvist elements into American landscapes contributed to the broader acceptance and adaptation of modernist aesthetics in the United States. The work remains a testament to the cross-cultural exchanges that shaped early 20th-century art.

Enhance your space with a reproduction of Henry Lyman Saÿen’s “Scheherazade” (1915). This gallery-wrapped canvas print captures the vivid colors and expressive brushwork of the original masterpiece. Available in multiple sizes and framed in your choice of walnut or black, this artwork brings a touch of early modernist vibrancy to any room, reflecting your appreciation for pioneering art and timeless design.