Ourania

Copied Albert Green, Ourania, 1975, glazed porcelain, 17 5814 3164 116 in. (44.836.010.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1985.14

Artwork Details

Title
Ourania
Artist
Date
1975
Dimensions
17 5814 3164 116 in. (44.836.010.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
glazed porcelain
Classifications
Object Number
1985.14

Artwork Description

Ourania, also spelled Urania, is the Muse of astronomy in Greek mythology. She is traditionally portrayed holding a staff in one hand, which she points toward an orb she holds in her other hand. Here, Albert Green simplified her classical representation to present only a circle, representing the orb. Green used simple shapes, as in Ourania, to emphasize his masterful use of glaze, a skill he developed through many years of studying painting. The minimal adornments, like circles and stripes, break up the space of the clay "canvas" to create advancing and receding planes of light and dark. Green's forms and rich glazes recall the work of Chinese and Japanese potters, which inspired him and continue to influence so many American ceramists.