Merz 3 (0/6)

1923

Kurt Schwitters

Associated Names
Kurt Schwitters

Artist, German, 1887 - 1948

The image displays a composition of geometric shapes and lines, including rectangles, squares, circles, and plus-sign shapes arranged throughout the canvas. Some shapes overlap while others are distinct, forming an intricate pattern akin to a city map seen from above. A blue square and a red rectangle stand out amidst the monochrome shapes, adding bursts of color. The abstract nature of the image prompts viewers to draw connections to everyday structures and objects presented in a creative and unconventional way.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph with collage (artist's proof)

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 56 x 44.5 cm (22 1/16 x 17 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.52.8

Associated Artworks

See all 8 artworks
The image shows a collection of geometric shapes and lines arranged in a rectangular layout. In the center is the number "3" and nearby is a heart pierced by an arrow. Below the number is a beige rectangular placeholder. The design includes text elements such as "MERZ," "MERZ MAPPE," "6 Lithos," and "Kurt Schwitters 1923" in varying fonts and sizes, resembling a vintage poster or book cover.

Merz 3 (portfolio cover)

Kurt Schwitters

1923

Merz 3

Kurt Schwitters

1923

This is a drawing of a promotional or informational cover. The artwork features a predominantly coral pink background with text in black and dark red. There is a larger red rectangle in the upper left quadrant containing stylized typography that reads, "6 Lithos auf den Stein gemerzt von Kurt Schwitters 1923," with a distinct emphasis on the word "Lithos." Below this, in smaller text, is the word "MAPPE" accompanied by an underline and a signature.

Merz 3 [Title Page]

Kurt Schwitters

1923


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Kurt Schwitters; Ernst Schwitters (the artist's son) until the late 1980s; Galerie Gmurzynska; purchased 2006 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2005

  • Dada, Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; National Gallery of Art, Washington; The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2005 - 2006, unnumbered catalogue.

2008

  • Medieval to Modern: Recent Acquisitions of Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2008, no. 146.

Inscriptions

lower left, in graphite: K. Schwitters 2[crossed out] 0/6

Wikidata ID

Q76347050

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