Merz 3 (0/2)

1923

Kurt Schwitters

Associated Names
Kurt Schwitters

Artist, German, 1887 - 1948

The image consists of rectangular and square shapes, with a vertical line across the center. Bold colors like red, orange, beige, and pink are used. Some rectangles resemble a collage, suggesting building blocks or sections of a cityscape. Letters "ABCD" and "H" are visible. An outlined silhouette in red at the lower section resembles a figure or statue.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    color lithograph with collage (artist's proof)

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 56 x 44.5 cm (22 1/16 x 17 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.52.4

Associated Artworks

See all 8 artworks
The image shows a collection of geometric shapes and lines arranged in a rectangular layout. In the center is the number "3" and nearby is a heart pierced by an arrow. Below the number is a beige rectangular placeholder. The design includes text elements such as "MERZ," "MERZ MAPPE," "6 Lithos," and "Kurt Schwitters 1923" in varying fonts and sizes, resembling a vintage poster or book cover.

Merz 3 (portfolio cover)

Kurt Schwitters

1923

Merz 3

Kurt Schwitters

1923

This is a drawing of a promotional or informational cover. The artwork features a predominantly coral pink background with text in black and dark red. There is a larger red rectangle in the upper left quadrant containing stylized typography that reads, "6 Lithos auf den Stein gemerzt von Kurt Schwitters 1923," with a distinct emphasis on the word "Lithos." Below this, in smaller text, is the word "MAPPE" accompanied by an underline and a signature.

Merz 3 [Title Page]

Kurt Schwitters

1923

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Kurt Schwitters; Ernst Schwitters (the artist's son) until the late 1980s; Galerie Gmurzynska; purchased 2006 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2005

  • Dada, Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; National Gallery of Art, Washington; The Museum of Modern Art, New York, 2005 - 2006, unnumbered catalogue.

2008

  • Medieval to Modern: Recent Acquisitions of Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2008, no. 150.

Bibliography

2015

  • "Art for the Nation, The Story of the Patrons' Permanent Fund: Kurt Schwitters, Merz 3." National Gallery of Art Bulletin 53 (Fall 2015): 26, repro.

Inscriptions

lower right, in graphite: K. Schwitters 0/2

Wikidata ID

Q76347038

You may be interested in

Loading Results