Joseph Stella (1877–1946) was an Italian-American painter best known for his dynamic, visionary works that bridged Futurism, modernism, and mystical symbolism. Born in Muro Lucano, Italy, Stella immigrated to the United States in 1896, originally studying medicine before turning to art at the Art Students League in New York. Early in his career, he created realist illustrations of urban life, but a trip to Europe in 1909 exposed him to avant-garde movements, particularly Italian Futurism. Stella’s artistic breakthrough came with his electrifying depictions of New York City, especially his iconic portrayals of the Brooklyn Bridge. His masterpiece *Brooklyn Bridge (1919–20)* transformed the industrial structure into a cathedral-like symbol of modernity. Stella’s work was also deeply spiritual, often incorporating botanical, religious, and cosmic imagery in his later paintings. Though aligned with the modernist movement, Stella maintained a highly individual style that resisted strict classification. He exhibited alongside key American modernists, including in the 1913 Armory Show, and contributed to the rise of American avant-garde art. Stella’s legacy lies in his unique ability to merge the mechanical energy of the modern world with a sense of mysticism and wonder, making him one of the most original and imaginative painters of the early 20th century.