Broken pottery (1939)

This page presents "Broken pottery" (1939), created by Frances Hodgkins. Abstract, a short history: It emerged in the early twentieth century, when several artists in Europe and Russia developed non-representational painting during the 1910s. Movements of later decades, including Abstract Expressionism and geometric abstraction, carried non-representational ideas into new scales and materials. Context for 1939: Posters, magazines, and illustrated books were major ways for the public to meet new art and design. The first decades of the twentieth century were a period of rapid experiment, with Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, and the first abstract painting appearing within a few years of each other. It is listed in the Abstract collection. The image is in landscape orientation.

On onlly.art "Broken pottery" is sold as a digital download (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI). The files are delivered by email after payment, so nothing is shipped: you print locally, choosing the paper, size, and frame yourself. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Abstract compositions work through rhythm, colour, and form, which makes them especially effective in modern interiors and in spaces that need a strong visual accent without a literal narrative. Before printing, compare the proportions of the file with your frame so that nothing important is cropped. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks.

New Zealander, 1869–1947

If you like the visual language of Frances Hodgkins, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.