Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2015.

Still Life

Artist Arshile Gorky (American (born Armenia), 1904 - 1948)

Dateca. 1930-31

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 38 1/2 x 50 3/8 in. (97.8 x 128 cm)
Overall, Frame: 47 3/4 x 59 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (121.3 x 151.8 x 5.7 cm)

ClassificationsModern art

Credit LineBequest of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number89.51

Terms

Abstract
Palette
Shapes
Chairs
Black
Red
Yellow
Blue
Brown
White
Purple
Abstract

Collections

Modern and Contemporary

On View

On view

DescriptionThis is an oil on canvas painting. Bright primary colors in addition to white, black and brown make up the palette. Numerous organic shapes summarize the content. The color sharply delineates the boundary of each shape. The partially hidden background shapes are striped, as well as a brown kidney shape in the foreground. There is also a touch of texture hidden in the black shape at the center. On some of the shapes the brush strokes are visible. The yellow shape was painted over a darker color in one layer with wide brush strokes; the darker color is peeking through from beneath.

Label TextArshile Gorky American, 1904–1948 Still Life, ca. 1930–31 Oil on canvas What shapes and patterns do you see in this painting? Arshile Gorky’s title, Still Life, suggests that this is a group of everyday objects. Perhaps you see a chair, a figure, or an artist’s palette. Abstraction allowed Gorky to share his personal experience of the surrounding world, but he did not explain the contents or meanings of his images. Working in New York, the Armenian-born painter produced countless works like this one, which pushed the boundaries of Cubism and Surrealism. Puzzle through his lines and layers to construct your own interpretation. Bequest of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 89.51