Opus 1

1957

Edward Steichen

Associated Names
Edward Steichen

Artist, American, 1879 - 1973

The image showcases curved, sweeping lines and shapes forming an abstract composition on the canvas. Bold, arch-like forms are visible in the upper left and lower right corners, resembling ribbed structures or skeletal leaf forms with various textures. The abstract elements are presented amidst a rich color palette of blue, purple, black, green, and white, evoking foliage or seaweed-like textures. The overall artwork suggests a dynamic interplay between organic forms and vibrant colors, prompting viewers to contemplate connections to the natural world.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    crayon and ballpoint pen on blue construction paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Wayne F. Miller Family

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 18.5 × 30.6 cm (7 5/16 × 12 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2021.89.46

  • Copyright

    © Wayne F. Miller

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Edward Steichen, New York; Wayne Miller, Orinda, CA;[1] Jeanette Miller, Lafayette, CA; gift to NGA, 2021.
[1] According to Jeannette Miller, Steichen made the drawing and its associated painting (2021.89.45) at the home of her father, the photographer Wayne Miller, where Steichen lived off and on from 1955 to 1960. He gave both works to Wayne Miller. See email of November 30, 2021 to Anne Davis, Curatorial Coordinator, Department of Photographs, copy in NGA curatorial files and CGMPD artists files.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"STEICHEN OPIJ(71" lower center margin, blue ballpoint pen, unknown hand. "1896" lower right margin, blue ballpoint pen, unknown hand.

Markings

None.

Watermarks

None.

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