Robert Delaunay's "Windows Open Simultaneously"

Robert Delaunay has always been one of my favourite artists. My fascination with his work began at a young age and has only deepened over time. Growing up, I was fortunate to encounter Delaunay's vibrant and dynamic paintings, which left an indelible mark on my artistic sensibilities. While I’ve had the privilege of seeing some of his masterpieces in person, I’ve also spent countless hours poring over art books that showcase his pieces. Among all his works, one stands out as a perennial favourite: "Fenêtres Ouvertes Simultanément" or "Windows Open Simultaneously”. This 1912 painting is part of a series that is both cohesive and diverse, reflecting the innovative spirit of its creator.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Masterpiece
"Windows Open Simultaneously" is a captivating piece that continues to intrigue and inspire me, even after years of study. The painting is part of a larger series in which Delaunay explores the concept of windows as a metaphor for perception and vision. Each work in the series offers a unique perspective while maintaining a coherent visual language that ties them together.

The series "Windows Open Simultaneously" delves into the idea of windows as portals to different views and perceptions. By presenting multiple perspectives within a single frame, Delaunay invites viewers to consider the ways in which our perceptions are shaped by the frames through which we view the world. This concept is particularly compelling in the context of early 20th-century art, which was increasingly concerned with the nature of perception and the role of the observer.

One of the aspects that draw me to "Windows Open Simultaneously" is its complex and harmonious composition. The painting features an array of geometric shapes—squares, and rectangles—that seem to float and overlap within the canvas. This arrangement creates a sense of depth and movement, as if the forms are in constant flux. The geometric shapes are not merely decorative; they serve to guide the viewer’s eye across the canvas, creating a dynamic visual rhythm.

Colour plays a crucial role in "Windows Open Simultaneously." Delaunay's use of bold, contrasting hues enhances the sense of movement and energy within the painting. The vibrant colours interact with one another, creating a visual symphony that is both soothing and stimulating. Delaunay was deeply influenced by the colour theories of his time, particularly the work of the chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul, who studied the ways in which colours affect one another. This influence is evident in the way Delaunay uses colour to create harmony and balance within the composition.

The Hidden Eiffel Tower
One of the most intriguing elements of the painting is the subtle inclusion of the Eiffel Tower. Cleverly obscured within the abstract forms, the Eiffel Tower is not immediately apparent, inviting viewers to look closer and discover its presence. This blending of the recognizable with the abstract exemplifies Delaunay's genius in pushing the boundaries of how we perceive and interpret visual art. The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of modernity and innovation, fits seamlessly into Delaunay’s abstract vision, further emphasizing the theme of perception and the interplay between reality and abstraction.

Despite—or perhaps because of—its abstract nature, "Windows Open Simultaneously" evokes a strong emotional response and it remains one of my most cherished pieces of art. For me, this painting represents a perfect harmony of colour, shape, and form. It is a visual symphony that invites contemplation and introspection. The painting's ability to evoke such a profound emotional response speaks to the enduring power of Delaunay's artistic vision.
Even after years of studying this piece, I find it challenging to articulate exactly why it resonates with me so deeply. Perhaps it is the interplay of shapes, the strategic placement of colours, or the hidden presence of the Eiffel Tower. Whatever the reason, "Windows Open Simultaneously" continues to captivate and inspire me.

In a future blog post, I will explore another of Delaunay's masterpieces, "The Eiffel Tower." Stay tuned for an in-depth look at this iconic work and its significance in Delaunay’s artistic oeuvre.
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Paintings in the series and their locations:

• Windows, oil on canvas, Philadelphia Museum of Art, USA
• Windows over the City, oil on canvas, Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany
• The Window (La Fenêtre), oil on canvas, Musée de Grenoble, France
• Les Fenêtres simultanées sur la ville, oil on canvas, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Germany
• Windows Open Simultaneously 1st Part, 3rd Motif, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, USA
• Simultaneously Open Windows, oil on canvas, Tate galleries, London, United Kingdom
• The Windows over the City (First Part, Second Motif), oil on card,  Sonia Delaunay collection, Paris, France
• A Window, oil on canvas, Centre national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France