Portrait of a Shade

1953

Ilse Bing

Associated Names
Ilse Bing

Artist, American, born Germany, 1899 - 1998

The image shows an abstract composition of parallel diagonal lines created by light filtering through window blinds, casting shadows on a wall. The lines resemble the slats of a venetian blind, creating rhythmic patterns. The blinds are visible on the right, with cords hanging down. An intricately carved molding is also visible, suggesting classic architecture. The interplay of light and shadow evokes structured abstraction seen in modernist architectural photography.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gelatin silver print

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Ilse Bing Wolff

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 50.5 x 40.4 cm (19 7/8 x 15 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.147.76

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The Estate of Ilse Bing Wolff, New York, NY; gift to NGA, 2001.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower left in black ink: ILSE / BING / 1953; center verso in graphite: ILSE / BING / 1953 / portrait of a shade

Wikidata ID

Q64155259

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