Provenance

Dr. John V. and Laura M. Knaus

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The image contains a variety of geometric shapes and lines, including horizontal and vertical elements, arranged in an abstract composition. In the center is a large spherical object reminiscent of an eyeball, with intricate line details. This eye structure is positioned on a pedestal, with a small pocket watch nearby. Additionally, there is a round coin and a pair of black leather shoes placed in the scene. The setting is labeled "OPERA" and resembles a theatrical backdrop similar to a railway station, complete with tracks extending into a vanishing point.
Arthur Tress, Act III: The Final Judgment: So he departed on another Track, 1980, printed 1981, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.4704

Act III: The Final Judgment: So he departed on another Track

Arthur Tress · 1980, printed 1981 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4704

There is a large shiny metal coffee grinder and espresso machine on display against a backdrop of an ornately designed theater stage with the word "OPERA" at the top. The color palette consists of metallic silvers and warm browns, with a clear glass bowl holding a red flower in the foreground. The coffee grinder is on the left, featuring a cylindrical shape and curved handle, while the espresso machine is on the right. The glass bowl with the red flower is centrally located in the lower part of the image.
Arthur Tress, Act II: The Voyage: At last they entered the underground chamber, where the Magician transformed them into a great jewel, 1980, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.5309

Act II: The Voyage: At last they entered the underground chamber, where the Magician transformed them into a great jewel

Arthur Tress · 1980 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5309

The image shows a person dressed in a hybrid costume, with one half representing a groom and the other a bride. The groom's side features a top hat, dark suit, shirt with a bow tie, and a single glove on their hand. The bride's side showcases long hair, a veil, and a long-sleeved wedding dress with lace details. The person's face is turned slightly upward, with both male and female aspects sculpted into one. They stand on rubble in the interior of a dilapidated building, with debris scattered across the floor, exposed wooden beams, cracked walls, and remnants of an arched architectural design in the background.
Arthur Tress, Stephan Brecht, Bride and Groom, New York City, 1970, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2016.117.276

Stephan Brecht, Bride and Groom, New York City

Arthur Tress · 1970 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2016.117.276

This is a photograph of a theatrical display displaying a statue surrounded by vibrant flowers. The image depicts an intricately designed stage set resembling an opera house, with an arched proscenium labeled "OPERA" at the top. In the foreground, there is a life-sized statue seated amidst an arrangement of bright yellow and pink flowers, contrasting with the muted tones of the background. The backdrop features an illustrated scene of lush tropical foliage and classical statues, enhancing the theatrical effect. The use of rich textures and details conveys opulence and artistry, typical of traditional opera stage settings.
Arthur Tress, Act III: The Final Judgment: Brooding, he recalled the Oracle's words..., 1980, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.4703

Act III: The Final Judgment: Brooding, he recalled the Oracle's words...

Arthur Tress · 1980 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4703

A white teapot with pink floral designs is placed in the foreground. The backdrop shows a scenic view of the coastline with buildings and a dramatic sky. The scene is encased in a theater-style frame labeled "OPERA." The color palette includes muted tones of pastel blues, grays, and browns. The teapot sits centrally on a painted stage, with the seaside illustration extending from left to right with architectural elements like towers and arches on either side.
Arthur Tress, Act I: The Birth of Ideas: Then all of a sudden, a Teapot appeared, 1980, printed 1981, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.4694

Act I: The Birth of Ideas: Then all of a sudden, a Teapot appeared

Arthur Tress · 1980, printed 1981 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4694

The image displays a collection of shapes and lines, featuring both straight architectural details and curved figures. Included are a large stone-like head resembling a classical statue, a horse bust partly buried in sand, and an ornate structure reminiscent of a theater stage with curtains and opera house entryway elements. Background illustrations include buildings, palm trees, and a distant sky, creating an urban and natural blend evoking a historical dramatic scene.
Arthur Tress, Act II: The Voyage: To explore a City buried in the sand, 1980, printed 1981, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.4700

Act II: The Voyage: To explore a City buried in the sand

Arthur Tress · 1980, printed 1981 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4700

The image depicts an abstract composition with a figure made of rounded shapes resembling a three-tiered snowman made from earthy materials, covered with protruding sticks or pins. This figure is in a setting with a vintage theatrical backdrop featuring elaborate patterns and curtains, resembling the inside of an opera theater. The backdrop displays a forest scene, and the setup is framed by columns and arches with intricate designs. Two lit blue candles on the left and right side provide illumination to the scene.
Arthur Tress, Act II: The Voyage: They stumbled upon dark Altars hinting of strange Rites, 1980, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.4699

Act II: The Voyage: They stumbled upon dark Altars hinting of strange Rites

Arthur Tress · 1980 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4699

The image displays various fruits arranged in front of an illustrated backdrop depicting jungle scenery with a ship's mast and sails on the left side. The fruits include watermelon, grapes, bananas, an orange, a pear, and strawberries. The color palette is vibrant with rich greens, reds, yellows, and oranges. The fruits are placed centrally, with the watermelon wedge leaning left, grapes and bananas to the right, and the other fruits around them. The backdrop resembles a theatrical stage with an "OPERA" sign at the top, curtains pulled back, and an ornate border framing the scene.
Arthur Tress, Act II: The Voyage: And one day set foot upon an exotic Island, 1980, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.5305

Act II: The Voyage: And one day set foot upon an exotic Island

Arthur Tress · 1980 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5305

The image depicts a checkerboard-patterned floor with walls and backdrop with vertical and horizontal lines resembling an opera stage. Various objects are present, including a large eyeball on a stand, a gem-like structure on a vintage scale with a dial, and a billiard ball with the number two. The scene resembles a surreal assembly within a theatrical operatic stage, with the objects connecting to themes of vision and value. The ornate framing of the opera stage adds to the curated spectacle in an abstract environment.
Arthur Tress, Act III: The Final Judgment: The Court weighed the magician's Work, 1980, printed 1981, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.4702

Act III: The Final Judgment: The Court weighed the magician's Work

Arthur Tress · 1980, printed 1981 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4702

The image displays curved black metal lines forming an intricate lattice design resembling a cage or enclosure. Within it is a spherical object resembling an eye, with a detailed iris and pupil. The background showcases vintage-styled illustrations of an ornate opera house with various architectural elements, including columns and arches, and a framed portrait. A red ball with the number '3' is visible at the bottom left corner.
Arthur Tress, Act III: The Final Judgment: And had a vision of sweeter years, 1980, printed 1981, silver dye bleach print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John V. Knaus), 2015.19.5310

Act III: The Final Judgment: And had a vision of sweeter years

Arthur Tress · 1980, printed 1981 · silver dye bleach print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.5310