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Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Open 10:00–5:00

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

A Letter

1952

David Smith

Associated Names

David Smith

Artist, American, 1906 - 1965

The image shows varied black ink lines and shapes on a beige background, forming an abstract composition. The pattern includes swirls, jagged edges, and loops. Some shapes might suggest fragments of familiar objects, such as organic forms or tools. The design presents ordinary items in an unfamiliar context, blending recognizability with creative unpredictability.

This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.

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Artwork overview

Medium

lithograph in black on wove paper
Credit Line

Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams
Dimensions

image: 43.5 × 58.42 cm (17 1/8 × 23 in.)
sheet: 50.8 × 66.04 cm (20 × 26 in.)
Accession Number

2008.115.4485

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower left in ink: David Smith E12; lower right in ink: 8/1952

Wikidata ID

Q76551958

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