O'ertowering Babel

1970

Joseph Cornell

Associated Names
Joseph Cornell

Artist, American, 1903 - 1972

The image displays intersecting lines and geometric shapes forming an abstract scene. In the center, the outlines create a human figure from the back, seated with a diagonal tilt on the left side. The torso and arm of the figure transform into an architectural structure resembling an ancient building, with arches and windows. The fusion of organic and constructed elements creates a visual narrative.
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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

the artist, New York; Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, Keswick, Virginia, 1972; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2005; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2006

  • Redefined: Modern and Contemporary Art from the Collection, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2006

Inscriptions

lower right verso in black ink: Joseph Cornell: upper center verso in graphite: "Tower of B."; upper right verso in graphite: fixed [underlined]; left verso edge in graphite: Voice on phone 9:45 AM 4-14-70

Markings

typed center verso on adhered label: O'ertowering / Babel.

Wikidata ID

Q64591126

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