Untitled
Robert Motherwell
Description
Robert Motherwell
United States, 1915–1991
Untitled
1973
Aquatint
Museum purchase, 1974/1.260
(Flip Your Field: Abstract Art from the Collection, June 9 – September 2, 2012, text by Celeste Brusati)
Subject Matter:
Similar to many of Motherwell's Open series, this piece features sparse and simple lines on a monotone background. The lines nearly form a three sided rectangle like the open windows of his series. With rounded, bulging tops and thinner mid-sections and ends, the three vertical lines draw the viewer's eye down to the horizontal line invoking thoughts of an ending or finish line. Mortality was a common theme throughout Motherwell's work and can be traced back to his sickly childhood.
Motherwell opened his own print shop in Greenwich during the winter of 1972-1973, the latter year being the creation date for this piece. He hired a printer, Catherine Mosley, but he also did his some of his own printing and publishing.
Physical Description:
This print shows three vertical black lines oriented above one horizontal black line. The background is a deep red with shading primarily along the left and right edge of the paper.
Usage Rights:
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