Tod Pardon, Metha, 1996, sterling silver, 14k gold, copper, pigment, simulated ivory horn, wood, beads, 6 7⁄8 x 2 1⁄8 x 7⁄8 in. (17.5 x 5.4 x 2.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Martha and Pat Connell, 1996.100
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Metha
- Artist
- Date
- 1996
- Location
- Dimensions
- 6 7⁄8 x 2 1⁄8 x 7⁄8 in. (17.5 x 5.4 x 2.3 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Martha and Pat Connell
- Mediums Description
- sterling silver, 14k gold, copper, pigment, simulated ivory horn, wood, beads
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Abstract
- Figure female — full length
- Object Number
- 1996.100
Artwork Description
Metha is an example of the figural brooches that characterize Tod Pardon’s mature work. This small-scale figure recalls Colima figures of western Mexico and Cycladic art of ancient Greece, and incorporates the leg-wrapping tradition of the Masai warriors of Kenya. By including a display pedestal in the work, Pardon departs from conventional ideas of the function of jewelry. He encourages the viewer to appreciate the formal relationships of color, form, and texture.