Torchlight Cave Drawing IV from Torchlight Cave Drawings

1985

Elaine de Kooning

Associated Names
Elaine de Kooning

Artist, American, 1918 - 1989

Peter Pettengill

Printer, American

Crown Point Press

Publisher

The image depicts a collection of curving lines and speckles, forming abstract representations resembling an ox or bull at the top and a rhinoceros at the bottom, set against a backdrop of swirling shapes. The lines create a textured effect that suggests movement, akin to ancient cave drawings. The outlines capture the essence of the animals, connecting the viewer to wildlife art etched into stone.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    one from a portfolio of eight aquatints on laid Richard De Bas paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Kathan Brown

  • Dimensions

    image: 30.5 x 37.8 cm (12 x 14 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 51.4 x 66.7 cm (20 1/4 x 26 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1998.40.298.4

Associated Artworks

See all 8 artworks
Various curved and jagged lines form an outline resembling the shape of an animal. The abstract composition is filled with speckles and scattered textures. The figure at the center is enclosed by swirling motifs suggesting movement and vitality.

Torchlight Cave Drawing I from Torchlight Cave Drawings

Elaine de Kooning, Peter Pettengill, Crown Point Press

1985

Torchlight Cave Drawings

Elaine de Kooning, Peter Pettengill, Crown Point Press

1985

The image displays a series of curved and intersecting lines on a textured background that creates an abstract form. The lines converge to resemble the outline of an animal, reminiscent of a deer in motion. Surrounding textured details add depth and complexity, reminiscent of rippling water or rocky surfaces, enhancing the abstract composition.

Torchlight Cave Drawing II from Torchlight Cave Drawings

Elaine de Kooning, Peter Pettengill, Crown Point Press

1985

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired by NGA in 1998 directly from Kathan Brown.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"E de K '85" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. "Torchlight Cave Drawing 4" lower center margin, graphite, artist's hand. "O.K. to print" lower left margin, graphite, artist's hand. Verso: none.

Markings

"Crown Point Press / Peter Pettengill" (Crown Point Press chopmark) lower right margin, blind stamp.

Watermarks

"1326 / [heart] / RICHARDDEBAS"

Wikidata ID

Q75419014

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