Alfonso Ossorio

Ossorio, Alfonso A.

American, born Philippines, 1916 - 1990

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The image shows swirling lines and shapes layered in a dense configuration. There are circular and wavy lines creating an intricate web on the canvas. Vague facial features can be perceived within the chaos, resembling human faces, with what seems to be eyes and a mouth. Dark and light areas add depth, with some sections resembling tangled foliage or crowded urban scenes. The overall aesthetic is one of organized confusion, prompting viewers to search for familiar forms hidden in the chaos.
Alfonso Ossorio, Palimpsest, 1951, color lithograph on Arches wove paper, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 1995.12.2

Palimpsest

Alfonso Ossorio · 1951 · color lithograph on Arches wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.12.2

Alfonso Ossorio, Perpetual Sacrifice, 1949, ink, wax, and watercolor on Whatman watercolor board, Gift of Paul and Hannah Tillich, 1979.53.1

Perpetual Sacrifice

Alfonso Ossorio · 1949 · ink, wax, and watercolor on Whatman watercolor board ·  Accession ID  1979.53.1

The image consists of intricate flowing lines and shapes in an abstract style. In the center are humanoid figures with elongated bodies and fine facial features. Surrounding them are swirling patterns resembling flora, stars, and a crescent moon. Smaller figures and skeletal forms are dispersed throughout the composition, along with skulls and skeletal motifs. The artwork invites viewers to explore its detailed design.
Alfonso Ossorio, Et Mane Quippe In Eis Factum Est Et Vespera, 1936, wood engraving, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3806

Et Mane Quippe In Eis Factum Est Et Vespera

Alfonso Ossorio · 1936 · wood engraving ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3806

The image depicts a human figure shown from the back, primarily covering the torso and upper body. The person is kneeling with their back arched, one arm resting on a knee and the other reaching forward. The facial features are partially visible in profile, with hair styled in a short, neat fashion. The person is wearing a robe or garment with intricate patterns. They are not shown wearing any jewelry or holding objects. Surrounding the person is a patterned floor, and the background features stylized pillars with stars and a crescent moon depicted in the upper left quadrant.
Alfonso Ossorio, Samson in Gaza, 1934, wood engraving, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3805

Samson in Gaza

Alfonso Ossorio · 1934 · wood engraving ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3805

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Alfonso Ossorio, Sylvia Roth, Roberto De Lamonica · 1984 · etching in black and red on Fabriano PWP paper ·  Accession ID  1999.117.8.g

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Alfonso Ossorio, Sylvia Roth, Roberto De Lamonica · 1984 · etching on Fabriano PWP paper ·  Accession ID  1999.117.8.h

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Alfonso Ossorio, Sylvia Roth, Roberto De Lamonica · 1984 · etching on Fabriano PWP paper ·  Accession ID  1999.117.8.e

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Alfonso Ossorio, Sylvia Roth, Roberto De Lamonica · 1984 · etching on Fabriano PWP paper ·  Accession ID  1999.117.8.f

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Alfonso Ossorio, Sylvia Roth, Roberto De Lamonica · 1984 · etching on Fabriano PWP paper ·  Accession ID  1999.117.8.b

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Untitled

Alfonso Ossorio, Roberto De Lamonica, Sylvia Roth · 1984 · etching on Fabriano PWP paper ·  Accession ID  1999.117.8.c