Lebensbaum (Tree of Life)

1950

Gerhard Altenbourg

Associated Names
Gerhard Altenbourg

Artist, German, 1926 - 1989

The image shows swirling lines and organic shapes dominating the canvas to create an abstract design that is both chaotic and compelling. The shapes twist and turn like smoke tendrils in some areas and resemble the inner workings of a complex machine or eroded rock formations in others. The abstract nature of the piece invokes connections to objects such as gears, pipes, and landscapes seen from above, but they are not immediately identifiable. The varied textures and patterns give the work an evolving feel.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Christopher and Beverly With, Washington, D.C.; gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

signed by artist, lower right, in graphite: GA / 50; by artist, lower left, in graphite: Probeabzug; by artist, lower center, in graphite: Lebensbaum; by later hand, verso lower left, in graphite: Nr. 569/56

Wikidata ID

Q76561287

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