Manuscript

Copied Seymour Lipton, Manuscript, 1960, iron/brazed with nickel-silver on limestone base, 11 7815 126 78 in. (30.239.317.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. Seymour Lipton, 1978.127.1

Artwork Details

Title
Manuscript
Date
1960
Dimensions
11 7815 126 78 in. (30.239.317.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Seymour Lipton
Mediums Description
iron/brazed with nickel-silver on limestone base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
Object Number
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.

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