Partially Buried Woodshed [upper left]

1970

Robert Smithson

Associated Names
Robert Smithson

Artist, American, 1938 - 1973

This is a drawing of a structure labeled as a "Wood Shed". The drawing features an elongated rectangular form with several sections separated by simple lines. On the left side, circles are drawn to represent stacked logs or materials. Adjacent sections are characterized by a grid pattern. Above the structure, a handwritten label "Wood Shed" is visible, with some illegible text below that appears crossed out. The sketch is minimalistic, utilizing a single line style to convey the basic elements and structure of the shed.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 6 artworks
This is a drawing of various sketches of a partially buried wood shed. The image contains six different sketches on paper, each illustrating different views and aspects of a wooden shed structure that appears to be partially embedded in the ground. These sketches are drawn with brown ink, and there are handwritten annotations and labels such as "Partially Buried Wood Shed" and "SIDE VIEW" pointing out specific features in each illustration. Some sketches show contour lines to indicate the earth around the structure and give an impression of how the landscape molds around it, while others focus on architectural details like windows or structural shapes. The style is loose and conceptual, focusing on conveying the idea of a structure integrated into a natural setting.

Partially Buried Woodshed

Robert Smithson

1970

This is a drawing of a partially buried wood shed. The illustration shows a simple rectangular structure with a slanted roof, partially covered by surrounding earth. The roof and sides of the shed are depicted in simple lines, and there are words written at the top and near the base that read "Partially Buried Wood Shed" and "Earth," respectively. Some sketchy lines and textures suggest the shape and the mound of earth around and partly over the structure. The style is straightforward and loose, resembling a quick conceptual sketch used to convey an architectural or sculptural idea.

Partially Buried Woodshed [upper right]

Robert Smithson

1970

The image shows an overhead view of a simple building or cabin with basic architectural lines drawn in a loose, expressive style. The structure includes rectangular windows and a central door. The drawing has a monochromatic color palette with dark lines on a light background. There is no horizon line, and no depth or shadows are depicted. Additional lines suggest another layer of the structure, like a roof or wall.

Partially Buried Woodshed [center left]

Robert Smithson

1970

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Estate of Robert Smithson; gift to NGA, 1998

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1999

  • Robert Smithson: Retrospective-Works 1955-1973. Museet for Samtidskunst, Oslo; Moderna Museet, Stockholm, 1999, no. 174.

Bibliography

1991

  • Tsai, Eugenie. Robert Smithson Unearthed: Drawings, Collages, Writings. New York, 1991: 180 repro.

1999

  • Robert Smithson Retrospective: works 1995-1973. Exh. cat. Museet for Samtidskunst, Oslo; Moderna Museet, Stockholm, 1999: 280, no. 173.

Inscriptions

lower right verso in graphite: #13092

Wikidata ID

Q64629093

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