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Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Abstraction, Belief, Desire [working proof 11 for panel C]

1981

Pat Steir

Associated Names

Pat Steir

Artist, American, 1938 - 2026

Hidekatsu Takada

Printer, American

The image is an abstract composition with intersecting grid lines overlaid on chaotic lines and colors. Two human-like figures with flowing hair are depicted, resembling seated sculptures. In the background, lines suggest a structure reminiscent of ancient architecture or a grand hall. Predominant colors include reds, greens, and yellows, adding depth to the abstract scene.

This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.

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Artwork overview

Medium

aquatint, hardground, softground, spit bite, drypoint on Arches paper (Panel C WP11 –hard ground etching in brick red, sugar lift aquatint in coral pink, mint green, yellow, aquatint in brick red to light red)
Credit Line

Gift of Kathan Brown
Dimensions

20 x 37 in.
Accession Number

2024.132.666

Artwork history & notes

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