Figural Composition #2

George McNeil, Figural Composition #2, 1932, oil on paper mounted on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost, 1986.92.68
George McNeil, Figural Composition #2, 1932, oil on paper mounted on wood, sheet and mount: 25 x 19 in. (63.5 x 48.3 cm.) mount: 25 x 19 in. (63.5 x 48.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost, 1986.92.68

Artwork Details

Title
Figural Composition #2
Artist
Date
1932
Location
Dimensions
sheet and mount: 25 x 19 in. (63.5 x 48.3 cm.) mount: 25 x 19 in. (63.5 x 48.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on paper mounted on wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1986.92.68
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.92.68

Artwork Description

George McNeil created this image while studying with Hans Hofmann at the Art Students League. He recalled that Hofmann taught him to emphasize the two dimensions of the canvas even as he evoked the three dimensions of the world. (George McNeil, Expressionism, Exhibition Catalogue, 1984) Here, the vague form of a seated figure emerges from a pattern of rectangles, and the bright colors and thick layers of paint create a vibrant surface over the entire canvas.

Works by this artist (3 items)

Edward Kienholz, Nancy Reddin Kienholz, Drawing for Sollie 17, 1980, mixed media construction, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of G & W Investments, 2001.59A-D, © 1980, Nancy Reddin Kienholz
Drawing for Sollie 17
Artist
Date1980
mixed media construction
Not on view
Edward Kienholz, Nancy Reddin Kienholz, Sollie 17, 1979-1980, mixed media construction, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2001.58, © 1980, Nancy Reddin Kienholz
Sollie 17
Artist
Date1979-1980
mixed media construction
Not on view
Edward Kienholz, Untitled, n.d., encaustic on fiberboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia Colleen McCall, 1982.125
Untitled
Artist
Daten.d.
encaustic on fiberboard
Not on view

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Artist
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encaustic on canvas
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