Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2013.

High Ceiling - You Won't Get This

Artist Idelle Weber (American, 1932 - 2020)

Donor Hollis Taggart Galleries

Date1964

MediumTempera and graphite on vellum

Dimensions10 × 7 1/2 in. (25.4 × 19.1 cm)
Overall, Frame: 23 1/4 × 19 1/4 in. (59.1 × 48.9 cm)

ClassificationsModern art

Credit LineGift of Hollis Taggart Galleries, New York

Object number2013.9.3

On View

Not on view

DescriptionWork shows the silhouettes of two generations of female secretaries in an office high above the city. The title references the so-called glass ceiling encountered by women seeking a professional life and career. Behind them, the Chrysler building and neighboring skyscrapers loom in the distance. Initialed, titled, and dated lower left: "© iw High ceiling - you won't get this 64."
Label TextIdelle Weber American, 1932-2020 High Ceiling-You Won’t Get This, 1964 Tempera and graphite on vellum Two generations of female secretaries work in an office high above the city while the Chrysler Building and neighboring skyscrapers loom in the distance. A commentary on the role of women in the 1960s, Idelle Weber’s innovative composition strikes an unsteady balance between foreground and distance, solid forms and thin outlines, and painted silhouettes and sketched cityscapes. Gift of Hollis Taggart Galleries, New York 2013.9.3