Fossil In Formation (Ammonite Fossil & Chrysler Tower - New York City)
Artist
Barbara Morgan
(American, 1900-1992)
CultureAmerican
Date1965
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsOverall, Image: 9 3/8 × 12 5/8 in. (23.8 × 32.1 cm)
Overall, Support: 14 × 18 in. (35.6 × 45.7 cm)
Overall, Mat: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
Overall, Support: 14 × 18 in. (35.6 × 45.7 cm)
Overall, Mat: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
InscribedSigned, titled, and dated in pencil on the mount; signed, titled and dated in ink and stamped on reverse of mount.
Credit LineMuseum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank
Object number84.82
On View
Not on viewLabel TextBarbara Morgan American, 1900–1992 Fossil in Formation (Ammonite Fossil & Chrysler Tower - New York City), 1965 Gelatin silver print (photograph) Barbara Morgan made this photomontage by exposing a single piece of photographic paper to images captured at two different times. By layering an ancient fossil and contemporary skyscrapers, the subject of the work becomes time itself. But questions remain. Does the image suggest the city will decay and become a fossil one day? Or does it imply that the thriving modern city is beyond the reaches of time? Museum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank 84.82 Exhibition History"History of Photography," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va, Fall, 2001. "Photographs Take Time: Pictures from the Chrysler Collection," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, April 6 - August 26, 2018.
