Joseph Stella (American, June 13, 1877–November 5, 1946) was a prominent painter known for his involvement in the Futurist and American Precisionism movements. Born in Lucano, Italy, he moved to New York City in 1896 with the initial intention of studying medicine. However, his passion for art soon took over, leading him to abandon his medical studies and enroll at the Art Students League of New York, where he studied under William Merritt Chase. His early works, characterized by a Rembrandt influence, often depicted scenes of urban slum life.
From 1905 to 1909, Stella worked as an illustrator and was commissioned to create a series on industrial Pittsburgh in 1908. His visit to Italy in 1909 exposed him to Modernism and influenced his developing style, fostering connections with Italian Futurist artists. Returning to New York in 1913, Stella produced notable works such as "Mardi Gras," "Battle of Lights," and "Coney Island," and participated in the influential 1913 Armory Show.
In the 1920s, Stella's fascination with the geometric architecture of Lower Manhattan led him to merge Futurism and Cubism in his artworks. His iconic piece featuring the Brooklyn Bridge and "New York Interpreted," a five-panel work depicting skyscrapers and bridges, are significant examples from this period. These works reflect the era's belief that industrialization would surpass religion in modern society.
Throughout the 1930s, Stella traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from North Africa and the West Indies. This period saw him exploring diverse styles such as Realism, Surrealism, and Abstraction, with themes ranging from religious and urban scenes to botanical studies and Caribbean landscapes. Joseph Stella passed away on November 5, 1946.