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Untitled (Study for Cubi VII)

A work made of black, blue and ochre spray enamel with black pastel and white oil paint on cream laid paper.
© 2019 The Estate of David Smith / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.

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  • A work made of black, blue and ochre spray enamel with black pastel and white oil paint on cream laid paper.

Date:

1963

Artist:

David Smith
American, 1906-1965

About this artwork

Untitled (1963) is a study for the Art Institute’s stainless-steel sculpture Cubi VII (1963), which presently sits in the North Garden. The strength and weight of Cubi VII are counteracted by the awe-inspiring balance of its forms, leaving the viewer marveling at the dichotomy between material and form. David Smith’s untitled spray drawing, however, tells a much different story about the artist’s methodology. The drawing evinces Smith’s careful planning and selective juxtaposition of the geometric shapes that characterize the Cubi series. Moreover, it allows the viewer to appreciate both Smith’s technique as a sculptor and his skill as a draftsman on a more intimate, elemental level.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Prints and Drawings

Artist

David Smith

Title

Untitled (Study for Cubi VII)

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

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.

1963

Medium

Black, blue and ochre spray enamel with black pastel and white oil paint on cream laid paper

Dimensions

Max: 40.8 × 29.7 cm (16 1/8 × 11 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Delaney, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Delaney Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Delaney Endowment

Reference Number

2006.260

Copyright

© 2019 The Estate of David Smith / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.

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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