Study for a Border Design

1890/1897

Charles Sprague Pearce

Associated Names
Charles Sprague Pearce

Artist, American, 1851 - 1914

The image features a series of curved and arched lines intersecting and overlapping across the canvas, creating an abstract composition. The central shapes resemble elongated leaves or flattened oval forms, which are intersected by tight, swirling lines. Clusters of small, round shapes appear sporadically. These elements are mirrored on either side of a faint horizontal line that runs through the center of the image. The overall composition evokes complexity and intricacy often found in nature, juxtaposed with the simplicity of abstract art.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on trimmed book page of tan wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi

  • Dimensions

    sheet (irregular): 2.8 × 8.4 cm (1 1/8 × 3 5/16 in.)
    mount: 29.9 × 45.6 cm (11 3/4 × 17 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1995.24.55

  • Series Title

    Painted Architectural Decoration for the Library of Congress

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Borghi, New Jersey

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q64539526

You may be interested in

Loading Results