Texture Series — Number I

David Ferranti, Texture Series - Number I, 1996, sterling silver, glass and straight pins, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1997.83.1, © 1996, David Ferranti
Copied David Ferranti, Texture Series - Number I, 1996, sterling silver, glass and straight pins, 2 x 2 x 3⁄4 in. (5.1 x 5.1 x 1.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1997.83.1, © 1996, David Ferranti

Artwork Details

Title
Texture Series — Number I
Artist
Date
1996
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 x 2 x 3⁄4 in. (5.1 x 5.1 x 1.8 cm)
Copyright
© 1996, David Ferranti
Credit Line
Gift of an anonymous donor
Mediums
Mediums Description
sterling silver, glass and straight pins
Classifications
Object Number
1997.83.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.83.1

Artwork Description

David Ferranti used unlikely materials such as graphite, straight pins, and safety glass in place of precious gemstones. He enclosed these industrial “specimens” in glass cases, making brooches that resemble 35mm slides. The cases prevent the viewer from actually touching the materials and so emphasize the visual properties over the “feel” of the pieces. These brooches also remind us of the “curiosity cabinets” that scientists and collectors created centuries ago.