The Gordian

Thea Tewi, The Gordian, 1965, marble, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles K. Schlachet, 1969.43
Thea Tewi, The Gordian, 1965, marble, 24 1⁄2 x 11 1⁄4 x 6 in. (62.1 x 28.6 x 15.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles K. Schlachet, 1969.43

Artwork Details

Title
The Gordian
Artist
Date
1965
Location
Dimensions
24 1⁄2 x 11 1⁄4 x 6 in. (62.1 x 28.6 x 15.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles K. Schlachet
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1969.43
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1969.43

Artwork Description

Thea Tewi’s The Gordian was probably inspired by the legend of the Gordian knot, in which a young peasant-turned-king named Gordias tied his oxcart to a post with an intricate knot. People believed that whoever could untie the knot would become king of Asia. The legend relates that, in 333 BC, Alexander the Great released the oxcart and became ruler of many kingdoms. In this sculpture, Tewi carved marble to evoke several intertwined strips of fabric or rope. The title underscores the marble’s permanence and the fact that this “knot” can never be untied.

Works by this artist (21 items)

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W. H. Martin, Nip and Tuck with a Bass, 1911, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro, 2002.79.17
Nip and Tuck with a Bass
Artist
Date1911
gelatin silver print
Not on view
W. H. Martin, I Finally got Him, 1910, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro, 2002.79.14
I Finally got Him
Artist
Date1910
gelatin silver print
Not on view
W. H. Martin, Bringing in the Sheaves: A common scene on an Iowa Farm, 1908, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro, 2002.79.3
Bringing in the Sheaves: A common scene on an Iowa Farm
Artist
Date1908
gelatin silver print
Not on view
W. H. Martin, Landing a good one, 1910, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro, 2002.79.18
Landing a good one
Artist
Date1910
gelatin silver print
Not on view

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Jared French, Margaret French, PaJaMa, Paul Cadmus, PaJaMa (Box A), ca. 1937, gelatin silver prints, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Margaret French, 1999.98.5.16
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