Provenance

Frederick Sommer

Sommer, Frederick Mr.

American, born Italy, 1905 - 1999

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This image shows a close-up view of a rugged rock face. The point of view is directly facing the rocky cliff, providing a detailed look at its texture and formations. The horizon is not visible in the image. The intricate patterns of erosion and natural weathering create lines and shadows across the cliff face. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of grays and browns. In the upper portion of the image, patches of vegetation are visible.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, 1947, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.20

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · 1947 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.20

The image shows an abstract composition of textured shapes and lines. The figures are arranged vertically to create a humanoid-like figure, with a circular shape at the top, irregular rectangular shapes in the middle, and a doll's leg at the bottom. The arrangement suggests a standing figure against a textured backdrop, resembling a partially constructed mannequin or sculpture.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, 1941, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.13

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · 1941 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.13

The image shows soft, flowing shapes and blurred lines creating an abstract form. The arrangement of these lines and shapes suggests fluid motion. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, resembling folds of draped cloth or contours of a moving figure.
Frederick Sommer, Galleria Borghese, 1960, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.32

Galleria Borghese

Frederick Sommer · 1960 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.32

The image displays a complex arrangement of curved and angular shapes that interlock and overlap, creating an intricate composition. The abstract artwork resembles cut-out paper silhouettes, with forms that could be interpreted as leaves, waves, or stylized birds. The play of light and shadow provides depth to the shapes, giving the appearance of a three-dimensional collage made from familiar curved and pointed forms.
Frederick Sommer, Cut Paper Drawing, 1982, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.8

Cut Paper Drawing

Frederick Sommer · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.8

The image features fluid, swirling shapes and lines creating a dynamic composition. The patterns and shades of gray against a black background evoke the appearance of flowing fabric or smoke. The central form resembles a draped cloth or cascading waterfall, with textures resembling waves and eddies found in nature.
Frederick Sommer, Paracelsus, 1957, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.33

Paracelsus

Frederick Sommer · 1957 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.33

The image shows a complex arrangement of converging lines and flowing shapes interacting to form an abstract composition. Elements resembling anatomical sketches, such as muscle fibers, bones, and veins, are intertwined to create forms evoking human figures and facial features. The use of anatomical elements draws connections to familiar biological illustrations, giving a surreal presence resembling heads, limbs, and internal organs. The composition is layered and intricate, creating an unusual visual narrative challenging the viewer's perspective.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, 1993, collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic prints with watercolor on heavyweight wove paper, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.36

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · 1993 · collage of photomechanical reproductions of lithographic prints with watercolor on heavyweight wove paper ·  Accession ID  1995.5.36

An organic form with rough, textured surfaces is centrally featured in the image. Various shades of gray dominate the scene, creating a monochromatic palette. A bulbous, textured object with a spiky protrusion on its top surface is located in the upper section. Below it, there is a structure reminiscent of a bird-like head with exaggerated eyeballs and feather-like textures, angled slightly to the left. To the right of this structure, a smaller circular element is positioned near the center of the image.
Frederick Sommer, The Anatomy of a Chicken, 1939, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.12

The Anatomy of a Chicken

Frederick Sommer · 1939 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.12

Smooth, curved lines swirl around and partially obscure a human form. The blurring of these elements creates the impression of floating ribbons or clouds wrapping around the figure, resembling a classical sculpture of a male torso. The contrast between the figure's solid form and the surrounding abstract lines offers a dynamic visual interplay, suggesting the shapes draped over the figure like flowing garments or organic forms.
Frederick Sommer, Untitled, c. 1965, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.23

Untitled

Frederick Sommer · c. 1965 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.23

The image features smooth, flowing shapes and curved lines that create an abstract composition. The shapes have soft edges and gradient shading.
Frederick Sommer, Cut Paper, 1963, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.27

Cut Paper

Frederick Sommer · 1963 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.27

The image features intricate lines and angular shapes that blend together in an abstract design. The composition creates a silhouette reminiscent of a figure in motion. The flow and juxtaposition of shapes contribute to the illusion of feathers or leaves, evoking the imagery of a bird or floral patterns interwoven within the figure. The background is a soft gradient, enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the raised design.
Frederick Sommer, The Mistress of this World has no Name, 1981, gelatin silver print, Gift of Frederick Sommer, 1995.5.21

The Mistress of this World has no Name

Frederick Sommer · 1981 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.5.21