Principle of Detachment from Q.E.D.

1974

Mel Bochner

Associated Names
Mel Bochner

Artist, American, 1940 - 2025

Parasol Press

Publisher

Crown Point Press

Printer

Kathan Brown

Printer, American, born 1935

There are two rectangular panels side by side. The left panel is beige with small black numbers and lines arranged in a downward staircase pattern. The right panel is dark gray with larger circular holes mirroring the pattern on the left.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    one from a portfolio of four etchings with aquatint on wove paper, printed chine collé

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Neal T. Turtell and Thomas G. Klarner

  • Dimensions

    image: 35 × 64.8 cm (13 3/4 × 25 1/2 in.)
    sheet: 68.2 × 95.5 cm (26 7/8 × 37 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2022.35.1.3

Associated Artworks

See all 4 artworks
The image contains two rectangular sections on a white background. The left section has a pattern of small figures, while the right section has a matching arrangement of circular holes. This creates a visual rhythm resembling steps or a staircase. The left section contains numbers in a deliberate sequence, while the right section features a tactile pattern of holes on a dark surface, mirroring the numeric layout. The combination of numbers and physical cutouts could evoke coded punch cards or abstract instructions.

Five and Fifth from Q.E.D.

Mel Bochner, Parasol Press, Crown Point Press, Kathan Brown

1974

The image includes a large expanse of off-white space with a single line of small text in the lower central portion. The wide empty space can be compared to a blank canvas or a quiet room with a solitary detail. The text is the only structured element, similar to a horizon line in a clear sky.

Q.E.D.

Mel Bochner, Parasol Press, Crown Point Press, Kathan Brown

1974

The image shows small black numbers arranged on a light background, along with circular cutouts forming a grid on a dark background. The numbers form a loose outline resembling the upper half of an hourglass. The holes create a structured form, echoing the shape suggested by the numbers. This composition plays with the contrast between numeric order and physical voids.

Meditation on Theorem of Pythagoras from Q.E.D.

Mel Bochner, Parasol Press, Crown Point Press, Kathan Brown

1974

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Neal T. Turtell and Thomas G. Klarner

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"Mel Bochner 1974" lower right margin, graphite. "Principle of Detachment" lower left margin, graphite. "5/25" lower center margin, graphite.

Markings

"Crown Point Press / Kathan Brown" lower right margin, blind stamp.

Watermarks

None.

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