Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2013.

Desert Cactus

Artist Robert Willson (American, 1912-2000)

Date1994

MediumSculpted and gilded glass

DimensionsOverall: 18 3/4 x 13 1/4 in. (47.6 x 33.7 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineGift of the Duncan Foundation

Object number96.17

Terms

Block
rectangle
cube shape
Abstract
desert flora
Opaque
Colorless
Red
White
Gilt

Collections

Glass Art

On View

Not on view

DescriptionAbstract cactus composed of blocks of colorless glass encasing colored inclusions that as a group suggest an American flag. The trunk of the cactus is a vertical rectangle containing transparent red and opaque white horizontal stripes, six large, hot-applied cubes form the branches (they consist of tranparent blue cubes encased in colorless glass), and seven smaller colorless cubes with trapped air bubbles are hot-applied to form the blossoms; They are gilded. On the side of the trunk is a hop-stamped gilt medallion depicting a horse and rider.

Label TextRobert Willson American, 1912–2000 Desert Cactus, 1994 Sculpted and gilded glass Gift of the Duncan Foundation of San Antonio, Texas 96.17