Floating Structure

Claire Falkenstein, Floating Structure, 1958-1959, cut and brazed iron, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Susan Morse Hilles, 1977.2.1
Copied Claire Falkenstein, Floating Structure, 1958-1959, cut and brazed iron, 30 1⁄4 x 50 3⁄4 x 17 1⁄2 in. (76.8 x 128.9 x 44.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Susan Morse Hilles, 1977.2.1

Artwork Details

Title
Floating Structure
Artist
Date
1958-1959
Location
Dimensions
30 1⁄4 x 50 3⁄4 x 17 1⁄2 in. (76.8 x 128.9 x 44.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Susan Morse Hilles
Mediums
Mediums Description
cut and brazed iron
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1977.2.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1977.2.1

Artwork Description

Claire Falkenstein learned metalwork during her first few years in Paris. She developed the technique of bending and welding iron to create small pieces of jewelry. This process inspired Falkenstein to create larger sculptures that would often be suspended from the ceiling, emphasizing the space contained within them. The rough pieces of brazed iron in Floating Structure resemble a tangle of dry leaves and broken branches.