Optical Box

1964

Jesús Rafael Soto

Associated Names
Jesús Rafael Soto

Sculptor, Venezuelan, 1923 - 2005

The sculpture depicts a geometric design with black and white rectangles. It is contained within a black frame functioning like a box, featuring a front side with vertical transparent stripes. The materials seem to be a mix of opaque and clear synthetic surfaces. The sculpture displays a modern, abstract appearance with depth and layering from the overlapping lines and shapes. The black frame contrasts the intricate design visible through the striped front.
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On View

East Building Upper Level, Gallery E407


Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

William Chapin Seitz [1914-1974], Charlottesville;[1] by inheritance to his widow, Irma S. Seitz [d. 2003], Princeton; bequest 2004 to NGA.
[1] The work has a label indicating it was part of the Museum of Modern Art's Art Lending Service (ALS), which was in existence from 1951 to 1982; its ALS number was LS 656-938. The Art Lending Service provided the public with the opportunity of renting a piece of art for a two-month period before deciding whether to purchase the work or return it to the ALS. The ALS took a small commission on each work sold, which was used to staff and underwrite the expenses of the ALS. It is possible Seitz purchased the work through this program. See the finding aid to the program's records at https://www.moma.org/research-and-learning/archives/finding-aids/ArtLendingb.html.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q63861873

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