Emil Bisttram

Bisttram, Emil James

American, 1895 - 1976

Explore selected works

The image consists of angular and geometric shapes creating a dynamic composition filled with intersecting lines and planes. On the left, there is a prominent vertical line and triangular forms. In the central and right segments, bold triangular and trapezoidal shapes are present. Below, there are curved and segmented lines. The composition is monochromatic with textured shading.
Emil Bisttram, Untitled (Nautical Composition), 1950, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.920

Untitled (Nautical Composition)

Emil Bisttram · 1950 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.920

The image consists of angular shapes and intersecting lines creating an abstract composition. Triangles and curved lines resemble sails and boats, while geometric forms and crosshatched areas suggest movement. Light and shadow variation evoke reflections on water under a soft sun or moon glow. The artwork encourages viewers to associate the shapes with maritime scenes.
Emil Bisttram, Untitled (Abstracted sailboats), 1950, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.919

Untitled (Abstracted sailboats)

Emil Bisttram · 1950 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.919

The image shows an abstract composition with an array of intersecting angular and curved lines against a textured backdrop. The artwork contains shapes that resemble a sailing boat with a tall triangular sail, a circular form resembling a sun or moon, and curving lines that could be interpreted as birds in flight or wave crests.
Emil Bisttram, Untitled (Geometric Abstraction), 1950, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.921

Untitled (Geometric Abstraction)

Emil Bisttram · 1950 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.921

The image depicts bold, swirling black shapes and lines against a lighter background, forming an abstract composition. Some shapes resemble an eye in the top right quadrant, while a coiled, snake-like figure twists through the composition. The elements intertwine, creating a sense of movement and depth, akin to patterns formed by natural forces.
Emil Bisttram, Untitled, c. 1950, charcoal on wove paper, Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy, 2015.115.6

Untitled

Emil Bisttram · c. 1950 · charcoal on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.115.6