The Caliph's Design

1969-1970

R. B. Kitaj

Associated Names
R. B. Kitaj

Artist, American, 1932 - 2007

Kelpra Studio

Printer

Marlborough Gallery

Publisher

Schellenberg FL

Publisher

This is a photograph of a book cover design. The book cover is a vivid blue with a marbled texture pattern. Positioned in the upper section of the cover is a beige-colored rectangle housing the book's title and author information: "THE CALIPH'S DESIGN Architects! Where is your Vortex? BY WYNDHAM LEWIS . Price 3/- net." The typography is traditional. The contrast between the blue background and the beige rectangle draws attention to the title. The overall layout is balanced, with the swirling marbled pattern complementing the rectilinearity of the text box.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color photo-screenprint on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of the Collectors Committee

  • Dimensions

    image: 49.2 x 31.4 cm (19 3/8 x 12 3/8 in.)
    sheet: 78.2 x 57.2 cm (30 13/16 x 22 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1996.23.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Ramkalawon 2013, no. 76

Associated Artworks

See all 50 artworks
This is a drawing of a book cover design. The image shows a green cover design for a book titled "The Tower" by W.B. Yeats. The design includes an illustration of a tall tower and stylized foliage in the foreground. Text elements include "THE TOWER," "W.B. YEATS," and "MACMILLAN AND CO." The style is reminiscent of early 20th-century graphic design, with a geometric and linear form dominating the imagery.

The Tower

R. B. Kitaj, Kelpra Studio, Marlborough Gallery, Schellenberg FL

1969

This is a photograph of a book cover. The cover is black with bold white text centered on it. The text reads: "IN OUR TIME" in large, uppercase letters with a horizontal line underneath. Below the line, it states: "COVERS FOR A SMALL LIBRARY AFTER THE LIFE FOR THE MOST PART" in slightly smaller uppercase letters. At the bottom, the name "R.B.KITAJ" is featured in uppercase letters. The design of the cover is minimalistic, with a focus on typography and contrast between the black background and white text.

In Our Time: Covers for a Small Library After the Life for the Most Part

R. B. Kitaj, Kelpra Studio, Marlborough Gallery, Schellenberg FL

1969

This is a photograph of a book cover. The cover features the title "HOW TO READ" by Ezra Pound prominently in bold, uppercase letters. Above the title is the word "PROLEGOMENA." Below the main title, additional text reads "FOLLOWED BY THE SPIRIT OF ROMANCE PART," and at the bottom, it states "TO Publishers." The cover has a plain, textured surface with a utilitarian aesthetic, and the font used enhances legibility. The design suggests an emphasis on content rather than decorative elements.

How to Read

R. B. Kitaj, Kelpra Studio, Marlborough Gallery, Schellenberg FL

1969

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Robert Brown Gallery, Washington, D.C.); acquired 1996 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1994

  • Kinsman, Jane. The Prints of R. B. Kitaj. Hants, England: Scolar Press, 1994, no. 37, iv.

2013

  • Ramkalawon, Jennifer. Kitaj Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné. London: British Museum, 2013, no. 76.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: RK

Markings

stamped lower right verso in black ink: K / 7266

Wikidata ID

Q75397023

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