Keep

Anne Truitt, Keep, 1962, acrylic on wood, 72 x 39 1⁄4 x 10 1⁄8 in. (182.9 x 99.7 x 25.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Stern, 1972.172

Artwork Details

Title
Keep
Artist
Date
1962
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
72 x 39 1⁄4 x 10 1⁄8 in. (182.9 x 99.7 x 25.7 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Stern
Mediums
Mediums Description
acrylic on wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
1972.172
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.172

Artwork Description

Anne Truitt's sculptures often refer to people and places she has known, or to specific experiences. All are scaled to relate to the human body. An early mature work by the artist, Keep is both intimate and intimidating. Its bulky shape gives the impression of a crenellated battlement (a keep is the innermost structure of a medieval castle). Its title is also a loaded word suggesting possession, protection, and preservation. Truitt draws meaning from deeply felt, personal associations. "It's the human experience that is distilled into art that makes it great," she said.

Works by this artist (2 items)

Anne Truitt, 17th Summer, 1974, acrylic on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth Noland, 1991.176
17th Summer
Artist
Date1974
acrylic on wood
On view
Anne Truitt, Keep, 1962, acrylic on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Stern, 1972.172
Keep
Artist
Date1962
acrylic on wood
Not on view

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