Charles Demuth

Born Nov 8 1883 in Lancaster PA, Demuth worked with fellow American artists to develop the concept of Precisionism in his mainly watercolour-centric style of painting. His works often show a range of forms in a quasi-Cubist, sharply-defined manner. Frequently occurring scenes include urban and rural landscapes, often consisting of industrial features such as bridges, smoke stacks, and skyscrapers.

This is: My Egypt. It depicts a steel and concrete grain elevator in Demuth’s hometown. The majestic grain elevator gives the impression of being a pinnacle of American achievement—a modern day equivalent to the monuments of ancient Egypt.