Melisande 1 from Pelléas et Mélisande

1988-1990

Robert Kushner

Associated Names
Robert Kushner

Artist, American, born 1949

Brian Shure

Printer, American, active late 20th century

Crown Point Press

Publisher

This is a painting of an abstract composition featuring soft, swirling lines and text. The image depicts flowing shapes that resemble human-like features such as hands and a face, but they are abstract. The center features a dark braided shape contrasting with the softer surrounding elements. Below, there is French text which reads: "Ne me touchez pas, je suis perdu. Je ne suis pas d'ici, je ne suis née là. Ne LISAN DE". The overall tone is ethereal and contemplative. This is in the style of Odilon Redon.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    one from a portfolio of seven drypoints on wove Kozo Natural, Tako Nimai Dosa paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Kathan Brown

  • Dimensions

    image: 45.7 x 30.2 cm (18 x 11 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 61.6 x 46.4 cm (24 1/4 x 18 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1998.40.332.3

Associated Artworks

See all 8 artworks
The image shows a dark rectangular patch with jagged edges in the center against a textured grayish-green background filled with repetitive floral patterns. The background has scattered splashes of yellow, pink, blue, and red. To the right is a small, rounded, translucent object with an iridescent sheen.

Cover from Pelléas et Mélisande

Robert Kushner, Crown Point Press

1988

The image displays geometric patterns of circular floral-like designs embossed on a green background. There is a rectangular dark patch with colorful specks and faint text in the center. A smaller shiny rectangular element is positioned near the edge.

Pelléas et Mélisande

Robert Kushner, Crown Point Press

1988

This is a drawing featuring the title "Pelléas et Mélisande" and a plant. The words "Pelléas et Mélisande" are displayed in stylized lettering that appears etched or drawn in a soft, slightly blurred technique. Below the text, a plant with large, jagged leaves is depicted with dark lines defining its form against a lighter background. The composition highlights the text and a natural form, with shading adding depth and contrast to the image within the framed space.

Title Page from Pelléas et Mélisande

Robert Kushner, Brian Shure, Crown Point Press

1988

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired by NGA in 1998 directly from Kathan Brown.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"Robert Kushner" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "OKTP" lower center margin, graphite, artist's hand. Verso: none.

Markings

None.

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q75419249

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