Act I: The Birth of Ideas: Beauty

1980

Arthur Tress

Associated Names
Arthur Tress

Artist, American, born 1940

This is a photograph of a theatrical diorama. The diorama depicts an ornate opera stage scene with a detailed backdrop that combines architectural illustrations and a central sculpture of a woman playing a harp. The woman is dressed in an elegant gown and is positioned in the forefront. The backdrop includes elements such as a tower, a classical building resembling a theater, and various seaside architectural features. The frame of the diorama is designed to mimic a grand theater proscenium with the word "Opera" displayed above. The scene blends two-dimensional painted elements with three-dimensional sculptural work.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

John V. and Laura M. Knaus, Northfield, IL; gift to the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2001; acquired by NGA, 2015.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1994

  • Fantastic Voyage: The Photographs of Arthur Tress, United States Information Agency, Washington, DC, traveling exhibition developed and funded by the Arts America Program, 1994-1997. Venues in India, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Mongolia, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

2001

  • Arthur Tress: Fantastic Voyage, 1956–2000, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, July 7–September 23, 2001

Bibliography

1994

  • Fantastic Voyage: The Photographs of Arthur Tress. Exh. cat. United States Information Agency, Washington, DC, 1994: 75, no. 52.

Wikidata ID

Q64145021

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