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.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 265
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Department
- Arts of the Americas
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Artist
- Helen Torr
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Title
- Extemporaneous
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Place
- United States (Object made in)
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Date
- 1927
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Medium
- Egg tempera on metal, mounted on board
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Dimensions
- 40.6 × 36.8 cm (16 × 14 1/2 in.)
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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
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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.