The Gordian

Thea Tewi, The Gordian, 1965, marble, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Charles K. Schlachet, 1969.43
Copied 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.