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Extemporaneous

Abstract painting with a purple background and irregular grey and white shapes thrusting into all four corners.

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  • Abstract painting with a purple background and irregular grey and white shapes thrusting into all four corners.

Date:

1927

Artist:

Helen Torr
American, 1886–1967

About this artwork

Helen Torr made this highly experimental work while living aboard a sailboat with her husband, painter Arthur Dove. The forms here were probably informed by some part of the boat’s structure. The narrow bands of silvery gray recall shaped metal fittings, complete with small circles that are reminiscent of rivets or nails. But the artist deliberately abstracted any recognizable motifs, leaving an exploration of pure form and color.

Status

On View, Gallery 265

Department

Arts of the Americas

Artist

Helen Torr

Title

Extemporaneous

Place

United States (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1927

Medium

Egg tempera on metal, mounted on board

Dimensions

40.6 × 36.8 cm (16 × 14 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Through prior acquisition of Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson; through prior bequest of George F. Porter; Mr. and Mrs. Frederick G. Wacker Jr. Endowment Fund; through prior acquisitions of Friends of American Art and Charles H. and Mary F.S. Worcester; Robert McCormick Fund; purchased with funds provided by Elizabeth Souder Louis

Reference Number

2010.298

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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