Marsden Hartley Madawaska Acadian Light-Heavy Print

The Raw Power of American Modernism 🥊🖼️

Created during Hartley's transformative final years (1939-1940), this painting depicts Lionel Daigle, a French-Canadian light-heavyweight boxer who became the artist's muse whilst Hartley taught in Bangor, Maine. The artist's own words reveal his profound connection to his subject: "His body is so fine and dear I could work almost without end from him."

This intimate confession, now part of museum documentation, offers a glimpse into Hartley's creative process and the emotional depth that infuses every brushstroke. The painting belongs to a small series featuring the same model, with versions now housed in prestigious institutions including the Whitney Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Hartley's compositional mastery is evident in the work's frontal monumentality. The figure dominates the canvas against an intense crimson background, creating what scholars describe as "idolatrous frontal presence." The artist's modernist training, shaped by encounters with Cubism, Gertrude Stein's circle, and Berlin's avant-garde, manifests in the simplified facial planes and bold, blocky modelling of the musculature.

Marsden Hartley (1877-1943) emerged from humble beginnings in Maine to become one of America's most significant modernist painters. After early recognition from legendary gallerist Alfred Stieglitz (who gave him a solo exhibition at Gallery 291 in 1909), Hartley spent transformative years in Europe, absorbing influences from Cubism and German Expressionism.

🎨 Why Choose This Art Print?
This isn’t just any reproduction. Our fine art posters use cutting-edge giclée fine art 12-colour printing technology to ensure every subtle hue is faithfully rendered. The smooth matte finish on FSC-certified paper keeps your art print glare-free and eco-friendly, perfect for collectors who care about sustainability and quality alike. What's more, ART SNOB prints every image at over 350 dpi, ensuring ultra-sharp clarity and incredible definition that truly stands out.

🌿 Key Features of Our Fine Art Posters:

• Vivid Colour: 12-colour giclée printing for museum-quality tones.

• Eco-Friendly: FSC-certified, sustainably sourced paper.

• Smooth Matte Finish: Minimal glare for a clean, gallery-like presentation.

• Customisable Sizes: Fits any frame or space.