Stretch of Black III

1961

Leon Polk Smith

Associated Names
Leon Polk Smith

Painter, American, 1906 - 1996

The image shows bold, curving shapes creating three distinct sections on the canvas. The top and bottom display vibrant red-orange forms contrasting against a large dark center. The abstract design resembles an inverted 'M' at the top and a rounded mound at the bottom, suggesting landscape horizons or flowing fabrics. The simplicity of the abstract forms utilizes bold color and form to challenge the viewer's perception of familiar objects.
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On View

East Building Upper Level, Gallery E406

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    oil on canvas

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Eleanor Ward

  • Dimensions

    overall: 61.1 x 48.2 cm (24 1/16 x 19 in.)
    framed: 69.2 x 57.9 x 6 cm (27 1/4 x 22 13/16 x 2 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1971.89.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Eleanor Ward; gift 1971 to NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1995

  • Leon Polk Smith: American Painter, The Brooklyn Museum, 1995-1996, pl. 21, repro.

2009

  • Extended loan for use by President Barack Obama, The White House, Washington, D.C., 2009-2017.

2018

  • Extended loan for use by Ambassador Lewis Eisenberg, U.S. Embassy residence, Rome, 2018-2020.

Bibliography

1980

  • American Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1980: 223, repro.

1992

  • American Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1992: 338, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q20195645

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