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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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

Circus Scene

c. 1945

John Marin

Associated Names

John Marin

Artist, American, 1870 - 1953

The image shows a chaotic array of black, blue, and red lines interspersed with circular and zigzag shapes, creating an intricate web of intersecting forms. Faint colors and sweeping motions suggest elements reminiscent of a turbulent landscape or skyline, while some curved lines evoke the illusion of spiraling movements akin to waves or whirlwinds. The plethora of lines and overlapping shapes could be likened to a busy urban map or a cliffside scene with overlapping contours and patterns.

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Artwork overview

Medium

colored pencil and graphite on wove paper
Credit Line

Gift of John Marin, Jr.
Dimensions

overall: 22.8 x 30.3 cm (9 x 11 15/16 in.)
Accession Number

1986.54.169.i
Series Title

Marin Sketchbook

Marin Sketchbook

John Marin

1870

Landscape

John Marin

1945

Buffalo

John Marin

1945

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower left verso in graphite: 28-3

Wikidata ID

Q64583206

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