Manuscript

Seymour Lipton, Manuscript, 1960, iron/brazed with nickel-silver on limestone base, 11 ⁷⁄₈ x 15 ¹⁄₂ x 6 ⁷⁄₈ in. (30.2 x 39.3 x 17.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Seymour Lipton, 1978.127.1

Artwork Details

Title: Manuscript
Artist: Seymour Lipton
Date: 1960
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
/
4th Floor
/
50A
Dimensions: 11 ⁷⁄₈ x 15 ¹⁄₂ x 6 ⁷⁄₈ in. (30.2 x 39.3 x 17.5 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. Seymour Lipton
Mediums: iron
nickel silver
limestone
Mediums Description: iron/brazed with nickel-silver on limestone base
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Abstract
Object Number: 1978.127.1
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1978.127.1

Artwork Description

Lipton’s work explored a range of ideas including heroism, beauty, sexual conflict, and the mystery of birth and death. Manuscript depicts the struggle between law and violence throughout history. The curved layers of iron symbolize the paper on which laws are written and displayed. Lipton disrupted the smooth surface of the “paper” with a tangled mass of jagged metal, evoking the effect of violence within the human community.