Dreaming HorseFranz MarcNone

Identification of Dreaming Horse by Franz Marc

Dreaming Horse is an animal art work by Franz Marc, executed in 1913. The piece utilizes a combination of watercolor, gouache, ink, and graphite on paper to establish its form and color.

The work reflects the artist's specific approach to the animal kingdom, moving beyond biological study toward a more symbolic representation. Through the use of varied media, Marc captures a sense of spiritual essence within the subject.

The Composition and Visual Elements

The arrangement of forms creates a dynamic, non-linear space. Two blue birds anchor the composition: one occupies the top left corner, while the other is positioned towards the bottom right. Three figures are visible within the scene, appearing to interact with or observe the surrounding animals. These elements are distributed across a field of color that emphasizes movement and symbolic connection rather than physical depth.

Specific objects are placed throughout the work to enrich the narrative. A guitar is situated near the top center, while a bowl is located at the bottom left corner. On the right side of the image, two apples are placed. These items, alongside the birds and figures, contribute to a layered, rhythmic structure that prioritizes the expression of internal experience over the imitation of the natural world.

The History and Collection of the Work

This work is a significant component of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection. It is documented within the permanent holdings of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. The piece is identified by the accession number 44.937.

The physical object is a watercolor, gouache, ink, and graphite composition on paper. It measures 39.6 cm in height and 46.8 cm in width. Its presence in the museum's collection ensures its preservation as a primary example of the artist's expressive approach to animal subjects.

Where to See This Masterpiece Today

The work is housed within the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. It remains a permanent part of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum collection, specifically held in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection.

Visitors seeking to experience this piece in person can find it at the museum's New York location. Its presence in the founding collection ensures its continued preservation and study within the institution's holdings.

Related Works by the Artist Franz Marc

Marc’s exploration of animal forms and symbolic color reached significant milestones during the early years of the twentieth century. In 1911, he produced Blue Horse I, a work that established his preference for non-naturalistic color. This period of development saw a shift toward using hues to map a spiritual hierarchy rather than to mimic the physical world. His compositions increasingly utilized rhythmic, simplified shapes to capture the essence of his subjects.

The artist's trajectory toward abstraction continued through 1913. During this year, he created The Foxes, which utilized a crystalline composition influenced by Cubism. His work from this period also includes The World-Cow, a piece where the subject functions as a symbol of cosmic existence. Other notable subjects in his catalog include Gazelles, reflecting his ongoing preoccupation with the animal kingdom as a vessel for spiritual energy.