Ibram Lassaw, The Hyades, 1951, bronze, 13 3⁄4 x 21 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 in. (34.9 x 54.6 x 16.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost, 1986.92.64
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Artwork Details
- Title
- The Hyades
- Artist
- Date
- 1951
- Location
- Dimensions
- 13 3⁄4 x 21 1⁄2 x 6 1⁄2 in. (34.9 x 54.6 x 16.5 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Patricia and Phillip Frost
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- bronze
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Abstract
- Object Number
- 1986.92.64
Artwork Description
Ibram Lassaw gave many of his sculptures titles based on stars and galaxies, naming The Hyades for an open cluster of stars in the Taurus constellation. He asserted that he did not intend to create constellations, but saw similarities between the completed sculptures and the arrangement of stars and planets in space. In The Hyades he created the initial shape from welded wire, then gradually built up the form using drips of molten bronze.